§ LORD GRANVILLE OF EYEasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in view of pending local government reorganisation and the recent announcement for the setting up of a National Parks authority with overall powers, they will conduct an inquiry into the planting of trees on an open area used by climbers, ramblers and walkers on Leckhampton Hill at Cheltenham.
§ LORD SANDFORDRecent announcements on National Parks have been in terms of a separate authority for each National Park. Cheltenham Borough Council have recently had a meeting with interested bodies to discuss the future of Leckhampton Hill, including facilities for open-air recreation and proposals for planting trees. A general study of the future possibilities for this area, which is not within a National Park but is within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is to be carried out by the Gloucestershire College of Art and Design. A further opportunity will be given for interested persons and bodies to comment on the proposals put forward. These are matters which Her Majesty's Government consider should continue to be dealt with locally.