§ Mr. Barnesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of concern about the Greater London Council's scheme submitted to him under Section 58(2) of the London Government Act, 1963, for the transfer of many of its parks and open spaces; and what action he proposes to take on the scheme.
§ Mr. Greenwood:No loss of open space or amenity is entailed by these proposals, which relate only to issues of ownership; the statutory provisions governing the status and management of these parks and open spaces will remain substantially the same whichever authorities own and administer them. However, in view of the extent of public interest in the scheme, I proposed, before considering it further, to give interested bodies and members of the public generally the opportunity to inspect and comment on it. I am consulting the Greater London Council and the London boroughs about the necessary arrangements for this purpose and will be making a further announcement shortly.