HC Deb 12 November 1980 vol 992 cc453-4
3. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the operation of the system of national parks and their supervising boards.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Hector Monro)

In the main, yes. For that reason I have decided not to proceed with a review of national parks administration in 1981, nor with a wider review of the designation system as suggested by the Countryside Review Committee. But I propose to consult on the proposition that district councils should have a statutory right of representation on national park boards and committees.

Mr. Knox

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Peak District national park board, which has no directly elected representatives on it, is insensitive to the needs and wishes of my constituents, and arrogant in its dealings? Is he further aware that my constituents will examine this proposal with great interest?

Mr. Monro

I note what my hon. Friend has said. I am sorry that he offers such strictures about his national park administration. My original reply sought to make the point that local people living in the national parks should be given more say in national parks deliberations. At the end of the day, that will lead to better administration of those parks.

Dr. David Clark

Does the Minister realise that his announcement will be applauded by many of those in the amenity world, who felt that the proposals put forward would have led to the desecration of many of the most attractive parts of the countryside? Is he aware that we support him when he says that he is generally satisfied with the work of national parks?

Mr. Monro

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for those remarks. I know that they will be widely noted in the world of conservation.

Mr. Parris

Is my hon. Friend aware that any change involving district council representation on the park planning boards would be greatly welcomed by my constituents, who feel the need for such local representation?

Mr. Monro

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for making that point. Changes will occur in the two board areas of the Peak District and the Lake District. There may be an additional member for the Peak District, and two additional members for the Lake District. If consultations go ahead as I anticipate, district councils will have statutory representation.

Mr. Denis Howell

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the question asked by his hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire. West (Mr. Parris) refers to the fact that access has been gained—as a result of initiative and expenditure from the funds of the Peak District national park and that that access has been applauded by the Central Council for Physical Recreation, the Council for the Protection of Rural England, the Countryside Commission and the ramblers and mountaineering associations? Does the Minister recognise that much-needed access has been guaranteed for climbers, recreationists and campers? The Minister's original answer needs to be discussed. He has put aside not only the Sandford report but the response to it. Is he aware that it is important that the national interest should predominate where national parks are concerned?

Mr. Monro

I note what the right hon. Gentleman has said. We considered the Sandford committee report very carefully, since it is valuable. However, we have made our decision and we shall not proceed with that review.