§ Dr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance he has given the Nature Conservancy Council concerning the curtailing or encouragement of field sports on land which is the subject of applications for grants in respect of wildlife habitats.
§ Mr. Nicholas RidleyThe council's policy—which I support—is that traditional country pursuits should not be interfered with wherever they are not in conflict with the conservation of species or habitats. Where NCC propose to give grants for the acquisition of land for conservation purposes, they normally expect the new owner to allow traditional rights and uses of the land to continue, and to278W alter the level or practice of these activities only when it is required for the management of the site for nature conservation.