§ Mr. Priorasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, whether he will make a statement about the designation of the Broads as a National Park.
§ Mr. BrookeThe primary responsibility for the designation of National Parks rests with the National Parks Commission. It has studied the question carefully and has advised me that in its view the unique character of the Broads makes them in no way comparable in type with the other areas which, in conformity with the general requirements laid down in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, it has selected and designated 141W as National Parks. It has therefore come to the conclusion that designation under that Act would not be appropriate. I concur.
In these circumstances, I have agreed with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport that he will now, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and myself, proceed to consider the views of the Great Yarmouth Port and Haven Commissioners, the East Suffolk and Norfolk Rivers Board, and other local bodies about the future of the Broads.