HC Deb 04 April 1984 vol 57 cc958-9
13. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received the report of the Countryside Commission, "A Better Future for the Uplands"; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

Yes, Sir. We welcome this comprehensive report, which is being studied. I shall report to the House when this study has been completed.

Mr. Kennedy

I thank the Minister for that reply. He will, of course, recognise the departmental division of responsibility between the DOE and the Scottish Office and also the division of responsibility within the Countryside Commission itself. Given that, will the Minister take steps to see that the Scottish Office encourages a similar analysis north of the border so that the important and legitimate debate on the right balance between upland areas and forestry holdings takes place on a national basis?

Mr. Waldegrave

I sympathise with what the hon. Member says and will certainly draw it to the attention of my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Nicholls

Will my hon. Friend accept that, while many people in the uplands areas will welcome this report, nevertheless there are measures in it — such as the recommendation that capital allowances for land improvement and land drainage should be withdrawn in certain circumstances—which will make the agricultural community in places like Dartmoor wonder whether a balance is being struck between the interests of the conservationists on the one hand and their interests and need to earn a living in an agricultural environment?

Mr. Waldegrave

Clearly, getting the balance right is a controversial business and I note my hon. Friend's comments. I think that there are quite a lot of things in the report that some of the agriculturists like, but there are other things that certainly worry them.