NORMALLY when the country's national parks assemble for one of their regular conferences there is little of import to grab the headlines. This week however, the assembly, called the Council for National Parks, dropped a bombshell when they declared that dormant quarrying permissions could wreak havoc on the land which we consider sacrosanct.

These permissions, some of which cover the Yorkshire Dales, were granted long ago without any of the tough conditions and safeguards which a contemporary application for permission would attract. They have not been acted upon - but they have not gone away, a long forgotten ace up the sleeve for mineral companies whose existing permissions are running out. It is a nasty shock for those who thought that it was only a matter of a few years before quarrying became an extinct activity in the national parks.

Ten years ago Swinden Quarry, between Cracoe and Threshfield successfully applied to extend its life span but as this was effectively a new permission, the strings attached were onerous and designed to protect the surrounding countryside and minimise the impact on the local community and environment. The dormant permissions, granted in a much less environmentally sensitive era have no such in-built safeguards.

The status and importance of the national park has increased significantly in its 50 year history and it is certain that there would be a furious reaction to any minerals company which sought to activate dormant permissions. Even so, it would be expedient of the Government to revisit the legislation and ensure the protection of the Dales.