HC Deb 10 February 1971 vol 811 cc514-5
33. Mr. Fidler

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will undertake discussions with the Countryside Commission with a view to redefining its functions and the financial resources which can be made available to it at the present time.

Mr. Peter Walker

Discussion with the Commission on its work programme and the financial resources available to it is a continuing process.

Mr. Fidler

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Will he please take into account the introduction to the Commission's Report for 1969–70 and bear in mind that hon. Members on this side, and, I am sure, hon. Members opposite, were most anxious to see more help given to maintain and restore our national heritage in an increasingly commercially-dominated age?

Mr. Walker

Nine of the 12 months concerned were in no way my responsibility, but I thoroughly agree with my hon. Friend.

Mr. Denis Howell

Will the right hon. Gentleman state that adequate resources of both revenue and capital will be available to the Commission so that the recreational aspects of its functions can be properly expanded?

Mr. Walker

Certainly, the Countryside Commission will have better resources than under the previous Government.