HL Deb 26 October 1999 vol 606 cc165-7

3.10 p.m.

Lord Montagu of Beaulieu

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in the event that the New Forest is designated as a national park, the New Forest Acts 1877, 1948, 1964 and 1970 will remain in force.

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

My Lords, national parks are designated by the Countryside Agency by means of an order made under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, which is subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions. A New Forest national park designated in this way, under secondary legislation, would not affect any local primary legislation and the New Forest Acts would remain in force.

Lord Montagu of Beaulieu

My Lords, in thanking the noble Baroness for her reply, I should declare an interest in that I have lived in the New Forest all my life. Is the noble Baroness aware that the public reaction to the proposed national park status for the New Forest varies from apprehension to downright hostility? Is she further aware that public concerns turn mainly on the future status and funding of the Verderers Court and of commoning, which are two historic pillars of New Forest life? Can the Government give an undertaking that they will exercise as much flexibility as they can in their negotiations with local authorities and other organisations in order to provide the best possible protection for this unique part of England?

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

My Lords, all Members of your Lordships' House are aware that very strong views are held both in favour of new national park status and against it. National park designation requires that due regard must be given to both environmental heritage and cultural heritage. Within that context, the role, nature and function of the verderers is obviously of crucial importance in the case of the New Forest. I can certainly assure the noble Lord that the Countryside Agency will consult fully all those with concerns before making a recommendation on the order to the Secretary of State.

Lord Taylor of Gryfe

My Lords, does the Minister agree that the New Forest is a very important and sensitive area and that over the years the Forestry Commission has managed the area and protected all the various interests, while providing controlled public access? Bearing that in mind, can the Minister tell us what advantages will arise from designating the forest as a national park?

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

My Lords, the role of the Forestry Commission and its excellent track record over many years in sensitive management of the New Forest groundlands are recognised by all. We want to ensure that the forest continues to benefit from the commission's experience and expertise. My noble friend has raised the question of the benefits of national park status. Quite obviously there was a need for a decision to be taken. My right honourable friend the Deputy Prime Minister believes that the process of re-evaluation under the role of the Countryside Agency is important and should begin now.

The Earl of Carnarvon

My Lords, I declare an interest as a former verderer of the New Forest. Is the Minister aware that Section 33 of the 1877 Act set up the Court of Swainmote? That is the equivalent of a court of petty sessions. Will this important court be able to continue?

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

My Lords, I am aware that the noble Earl, Lord Carnarvon, has mentioned an extremely important aspect of the continuation of the role of the verderers in New Forest life. I feel confident in assuring him that it is part of the recognition of the role of cultural heritage in the area that those matters will be brought to the fore in any discussions and protected as a part of our cultural heritage.

Baroness Byford

My Lords, perhaps I may press the Minister a little further on her response to an earlier question. What advantages will the national park be given that the New Forest does not already enjoy? Other noble Lords have stated that the forest works well now and has made a great contribution as one of our national assets. What advantages will come as a result of national park status? If the Government are still only at the consultation stage, should not that consultation be completed before any final decision is taken?

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

My Lords, we are acting in response to advice given from a remarkable range of interest groups. When the noble Lord, Lord Renton of Mount Harry, brought forward a Private Member's Bill in your Lordships' House, it was clear that many noble Lords held the view that now is the time for the process of national park designation to begin. I can recall contributions made by the noble Viscount, Lord Addison, and the noble Lord, Lord Beaumont of Whitley. We believe that the security of funding and the full planning protections that will come with the status of national park, together with the full integration of the role of local communities, are important benefits that would accrue were my right honourable friend the Deputy Prime Minister and the Secretary of State to proceed with an order, following the due processes.

Baroness Williams of Crosby

My Lords, I declare an interest in that my family home has been in the New Forest for a long time. Perhaps I may say, first, that I very much welcome the decision of the Government to protect the forest from commercial exploitation. Secondly, does the noble Baroness agree that the general regulations that apply to national parks will not always be appropriate for the New Forest? Will she bear that point in mind when drawing up the regulations for this somewhat unique national park, which has been a national park for nearly 1,000 years?

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

My Lords, I am certain that I can give the noble Baroness, Lady Williams of Crosby, the assurance that she seeks. The first and paramount duty of a national park is to take on responsibility for the protection, conservation and enhancement of the area it covers.