HC Deb 08 February 1984 vol 53 cc866-7
4. Mr. Patchett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received a copy of the "Review of the Economic Efficiency of National Park Authorities", published by the Countryside Commission; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

My right hon. Friend has received the report and copies have been deposited in the Library. We shall be discussing further with the parties concerned.

Mr. Patchett

Does the Minister accept that while some Tories like the idea of privatising national parks, their main interest is to loosen planning regulations on buildings, mining, mineral extraction and caravan parks so that profit will be more important than the scenic and environmental worth of national parks? An unprecedented number of active Tories have been put on national parks committees. Will the Minister confirm that national parks are not up for private profit?

Mr. Waldegrave

The hon. Gentleman is a bit off the track. The reason for commissioning the report was to see whether the parks were working efficiently. The report made a number of suggestions about how they could work better. The Government stand by the national park movement and will finance it at a proper level.

Mr. Steen

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Dartmoor national park is grossly overgrazed near the edges of the moor and undergrazed at the centre? Will he consider increasing financial resources for the Dartmoor national park so that it can promote the Bill currently before the House? It includes a self-regulatory power for the 1,500 commoners as well as protecting environmental and conservation interests.

Mr. Waldegrave

I shall shortly be visiting the park, and I shall then have an opportunity to learn more about the issues and discuss them afterwards with my hon. Friend and others.