asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of the numerous building projects within the area of the approaches to Loch Lomond, he will now declare the nature, scope, and location of Scotland's national parks.

There are no statutory provisions relating to national parks in Scotland, but special arrangements, designed to safeguard rural amenity, apply to the handling of applications for planning permission in certain areas of Scotland, including the vicinity of Loch Lomond.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is great anxiety about the area surrounding Loch Lomond, which provides an outlet for the 2½ million people concentrated in the Clyde Valley, that the fear is that the area will be subject to a great deal of building operations, both at Balloch and on the way between Milngavie and Drymen, and would he not take steps to end the fear?

My right hon. Friend realises, as we all do, that Loch Lomond is a priceless asset of Scotland, and I can assure the hon. Lady that nothing will be done, which we can prevent, to spoil the amenities of the area.