§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is aware that in Wales there are many miles of disused railway tracks; if he will consider the Countryside Commission's proposal that these disused tracks could be used for such purposes as car and caravan parks, and camping sites; if he will consider taking steps to encourage local authorities to initiate such projects in the public interest; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasUnder existing procedures such land is normally first offered to local authorities in whose areas it is situated and it is for them to decide whether to acquire the land for some public use. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment and I are at present considering the suggestions made in the Countryside Commission's recent report for changing the procedures.