§ 16. Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he plans to meet the Broads Authority to discuss the future of the Halvergate marshes.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI expect to meet the Broads Authority on 14 March.
§ Mr. FreudWill the Minister agree that the concern about these marshes is widespread and that the national importance of possibly the greatest area of grazing land remaining in that part of England is crucial to the well-being of the environment? Will his Department consider funding all or at least 90 per cent. of the management agreements necessary to safeguard the marshes?
§ Mr. WaldegraveWe recognise the importance of the area, which is why we have already offered 75 per cent. as opposed to the usual 50 per cent. I believe that the authority will be asking for 90 per cent., as the hon. Gentleman suggested, and I should like to discuss the matter with the authority. I do not want to give a final answer today.