§ Mr. SillarsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what replies he has sent to the Scottish Sports Council letter of 28 September about the organisation of nature conservation and countryside matters.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Scottish Sports Council letter of 28 September was in fact a response to the consultation paper on Scotland's Natural Heritage and the views expressed in it were taken into account along with all other such expressions of views as part of the consultation process. A specific reply would not therefore normally be issued but an acknowledgement was sent on 9 October. As the council published its response and it was also raised with me by the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell), I have responded to the Chairman on 20 November and released my reply to the media. A copy has also been sent to the hon. Member for Linlithgow. It makes clear the Government's view that the access and recreation functions of the Countryside Commission for Scotland are most appropriately transferred to the new body, Scottish Natural Heritage, which will be best placed to offer advice on all issues affecting the natural heritage.