Cannock Chase (Amenities and Access)

Oral Answers to Questions — Town and Country Planning – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 28 Hydref 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Stephen Swingler Mr Stephen Swingler , Stafford 12:00, 28 Hydref 1947

asked the Minister of Town and Country Planning what steps he is taking to safeguard the rural amenities of Cannock Chase and the right of public access thereto, in view of the land now requisitioned by the Service Departments and the proposals that more land shall be requisitioned in the future.

Photo of Mr Evelyn King Mr Evelyn King , Penryn and Falmouth

The requirements of the Service Departments and of the Ministry of Supply in the Cannock Chase area are at present under consideration by the Inter-Departmental Committee on Services Land Requirements, together with the objections which have been made to the proposals individually and as a whole. The committee in making their recommendations to my right hon. Friend will give careful attention to the preservation of rural amenities and the safeguarding of the rights of public access.

Photo of Mr Stephen Swingler Mr Stephen Swingler , Stafford

Is the Minister aware that three Government Departments are now taking this land, with the result that public access will be denied over a considerable area which was previously open? Is it not a fact that this area was scheduled as a future national park?

Photo of Mr Evelyn King Mr Evelyn King , Penryn and Falmouth

It was not scheduled as a future national park but as a wild life conservation area. I am aware of this case, and we have set up the appropriate machinery in connection with it.

Mr. H. D. Hughes:

Is the Minister aware that this is one of the areas which is less well served by adjacent open spaces? Is he also aware that on the last occasion that I was there, a danger flag was flying over the area although there were no military training operations going on? Will my hon. Friend see that the Service Departments allow the maximum access by the public, particularly at week-ends?

Photo of Mr Evelyn King Mr Evelyn King , Penryn and Falmouth

Yes, Sir, I am aware of some of the facts referred to by my hon. Friends. I am concerned about the future condition of this area.