HC Deb 10 February 1971 vol 811 cc512-3
29. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what increases have been authorised in the staff of the Countryside Commission during the last six months; and what increases are at present under consideration.

The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Peter Walker)

One post has been added and three have been regraded. The Countryside Commission informed me that the matter which was concerning it most was the senior staff structure, and I am pleased to say that I have now reached agreement with the chairman on the senior staff structure.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Whilst I welcome that statement to some extent, is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the anxieties expressed in the last Report of the Commission and our general eagerness to encourage the Commission to get ahead with its very useful work?

Mr. Walker

I am very anxious to encourage the Commission in its work. I have now settled with its Chairman the matter which was most important to it.