Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Oral Answers to Questions — Local Government – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 25 March 1969.

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Photo of Mr Albert Murray Mr Albert Murray , Gravesend 12:00, 25 March 1969

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many areas of outstanding natural beauty are under consideration by the Countryside Commission for designation.

Photo of Mr Arthur Skeffington Mr Arthur Skeffington , Hayes and Harlington

Eight, Sir, including one in Wales. The Commission hopes to designate three of them—Dedham Vale, the Suffolk Coast and Heaths, and the Wye Valley—this year, and perhaps a fourth, the North Wessex Downs.

Photo of Mr Albert Murray Mr Albert Murray , Gravesend

While thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him to tell us how long it will be before all these eight areas are designated?

Photo of Mr Arthur Skeffington Mr Arthur Skeffington , Hayes and Harlington

This is a somewhat lengthy process, because it is necessary to carry out very wide consultations. The Countryside Commission has adopted the new procedure of going direct to the county councils and getting them to fix the boundary. This is apparently leading to some speed-up in the cases mentioned.

Photo of Mr Benjamin Whitaker Mr Benjamin Whitaker , Hampstead

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is considerable concern on the part of the Ramblers Association, among others, at the lack of access in some areas such as Snowdonia?

Photo of Mr Arthur Skeffington Mr Arthur Skeffington , Hayes and Harlington

I am well aware of that, but that is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

Photo of Mr David Ensor Mr David Ensor , Bury and Radcliffe

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many areas of outstanding nature beauty have been designated and confirmed since October, 1964; what acreage is involved; and how this compares with the previous four years.

Photo of Mr Arthur Skeffington Mr Arthur Skeffington , Hayes and Harlington

Since October, 1964, eight areas of outstanding natural beauty (including one in Wales) have been confirmed with a total area of 1,924 square miles. This compares with five areas, totalling 666 square miles, confirmed during the previous four years.