Oral Answers to Questions

Barry Sheerman Excerpts

Monday 17th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Greg Clark]

I think it was the same Secretary of State for Transport who set a target to reduce the number of journeys made by car, but, of course, the numbers went in the opposite direction. Everyone knows that if people are banned from having garages and driveways, as under those planning changes, it means not that people will not have a car, but that they will drive around looking for a precious parking space, annoying their neighbours and making people oppose development. We have therefore scrapped those maximum parking standards.

[Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op)]

What impact will selling off the treasure of our national forests, which has been built up over generations, have on access to green spaces for children and families?

[Greg Clark]

Of course, the policy to which the hon. Gentleman refers started under the previous Government. He knows that the intention is to increase and safeguard access to natural assets, such as our forests, for all generations.