§ Dr. WhiteheadTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to award national park status to the New Forest under the terms of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949; and what would be the impact of these plans on existing New Forest legislation; [44460]
(2) what plans he has to designate the New Forest a national park authority under the terms of the Environment Act 1995; and what would be the impact of these plans on existing New Forest legislation. [44466]
§ Angela EagleThe Countryside Commission has been considering the most appropriate arrangements for the continued protection of the New Forest. The Commission intends to present its formal advice to Ministers on this and a number of other issues relating to the protection of nationally important landscapes later this month. We will need to look at the Commission's recommendations very carefully, together with all the information available, before taking any final decisions. Any plans for the New Forest will need to take into account any possible impact on existing New Forest legislation. We hope to be able to announce our conclusions in the autumn.