§ Mr. Geraint HowellsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to revise the planning powers of the national park authorities in Wales to help farmers to diversify; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GristMy right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Environment and I are reviewing planning policy guidance note No. 7, which describes the contribution that the planning system can make to the rural environment by providing a mechanism for balancing the requirements of development—including fostering the diversification of the rural economy—and the continuing need to protect the countryside in the national parks and elsewhere.