HC Deb 25 January 1989 vol 145 c637W
43. Mr. Geraint Howells

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from recreational groups concerning access to water authority land after privatisation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moynihan

My right hon. Friend has received representations from a number of bodies which are being carefully considered.

However, the Water Bill imposes on the NRA and on the water and sewerage undertakers the same duties in respect of public access as at present apply to the water authorities, and the associated draft code of practice will make clear the presumption that the undertakers should continue to open up land of high amenity value to public access wherever circumstances allow.

58. Mr. Lofthouse

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on the financial implications of the Water Bill in respect of land owned by the water authorities.

Mr. Moynihan

My right hon. Friend has received representations from the Council for the Protection of Rural England, the Countryside Commission and others on access to and conservation of water authority land after privatisation. In addition he has received representations from a local authority about compensation for councils whose land was transferred to water authorities under the Water Act 1973.

77. Mr. David Young

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received a copy of the Countryside Commission's report of December 1988 on sites of conservation and recreation value currently in the ownership of water authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moynihan

The Countryside Commission has produced an interesting and useful study.

The planning system, together with the existing arrangements for national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty, protects and will continue to protect amenity land.

The majority of land in national parks has always been in private ownership, and there is no evidence that this inhibits public enjoyment or leads to unacceptable development.