6 DECEMBER 1935, Page 2

The Preservation of England

The case for National Parks,' or any other f(win of preservation of open spaces, in this country is over- whelming, and it is 'difficult to contest the cOnclUsion, reached by a conferenee convened by the Joint Coni- mittee of Open Air Organisations on Saturday, flit Central Authority for dealing with the question should be set up and an annual State grant made to it. Many local authorities, particularly those in rural areas, where such tracts of land are ..available, ,cannot afford to exercise the powers of acquisition conferred on them by the Town and Country Planning ACt. Some form of financial assistance should be deViscd; and quickly, since so many potential National Parks haVe already been ruined by injudicious building and so many, More are in danger. The National Trust seems to be the, most appropriate body to beconie the '" Central Authority," and the First , COmmissiorfer of Works,* who does so much to preserve our ancient' buildings, might be empowered to extend his activities to embrace the preservation Of rural England (rural Seotland needs it too, but a good deal less) and initiate Government action where necessary.