§ Lord Cottesloeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What arrangements they propose for the future of Hampstead Heath after the abolition of the Greater London Council.
§ Lord EltonMy right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has considered very carefully the responses to our proposal announced on 4th October that the Corporation of the City of London should own and manage Hampstead Heath, apart from the land going to the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission together with Kenwood House. The responses make it clear that views continue to vary about the future of the heath and to favour more than one option. In particular, the London borough of Camden have submitted substantive alternative proposals. We need to examine their proposal closely and to review it among other options. As Camden did not submit their proposals until October, despite first being asked to do so in January, it may be that final decisions on ownership and management cannot be reached in time to enable transfer to take place on abolition day. In that case responsibility for the heath will be passed to the London residuary body while permanent arrangements are being finalise. We remain firmly committed to the concept of unified management for the heath.
I am today inviting the leaders of the London boroughs of Barnet, Camden and Haringey to meet me to review the position.