§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his current plans in relation to legislation for the creation of a new board structure for the administration of national park authorities in England and Wales.
§ Mr. MacleanOur policy statement on the national parks, published in January 1992, promised legislation to create independent authorities for the eight national parks in England and Wales currently run as county council committees. I fully recognise the importance of introducing national park legislation at the earliest opportunity and I have repeatedly said that we will do so.