HC Deb 21 May 1986 vol 98 cc348-9
7. Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has any plans to introduce direct elections to the Peak Park Planning Board.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mrs. Angela Rumbold)

No, Sir. We have already provided for statutory district council representation on the board in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Mr. Knox

Since the Peak park is one of only two areas in the country where planning is undertaken without directly elected representatives being involved in final decisions, why should those of my constituents who live in the Peak park put up with this undemocratic treatment?

Mrs. Rumbold

Twelve local authorities are involved in the administration of the Peak district park, and direct elections would be impractical in those circumstances. Two thirds of the members are appointed by the councils. I expect that they would be capable of representing the interests of the Peak park. We recognise the advantages of choosing members with local knowledge and experience when we appoint them from the Department.

Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

Does the hon. Lady accept that there is a strong case for improving the representation of people from Greater Manchester and Sheffield, who use the Peak park at weekends and at other times for recreation? There is considerable resentment in those areas over the fact that in recent years their representation on the Peak Park Planning Board has been reduced.

Mrs. Rumbold

Locally elected people from the wards in the Peak park could represent the interests to which the hon. Gentleman referred.

Mr. Franks

The Minister will be aware of my great anxiety about the planning procedures in south Cumbria, which incorporates the Lake District Special Planning Board. The Minister may also be aware that the Peak park——

Mr. Speaker

Order. The question relates to the Peak park.

Mr. Franks

This relates to the principle, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker

That is a different matter.