Sussex Downs (Hansard, 27 July 1999)

§ Mr. Loughton
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what meetings he has had with elected representatives, council officials and community groups from within the Brighton and Hove Unitary Authority area on the future management of the Sussex Downs. [93252]

§ Mr. Meacher
Ministers in this Department have met with a number of individuals and groups about the future management of the Sussex Downs. Those we have met include my hon. Friends the Members for Brighton, Kemptown (Dr. Turner) and for Brighton, Pavilion (Mr. Lepper); the Leader and Chief Whip of Brighton and Hove Council; and groups which are members of the South Downs Campaign, such as Friends of the Earth, which have a presence in Brighton and Hove.

§ Mr. Loughton
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what factors underlie the delay in announcing proposals for the future of the Sussex Downs Conservation Board. [93256]
350W

§ Mr. Meacher
Ministers are considering as a whole the various issues dealt with in the former Countryside Commission's advice on the future management of our areas of protected countryside. There are a number of considerations, including those relating to the planning system, financial provision, local government responsibilities and the possibility of legislation. We want to ensure the right solutions for the South Downs, for the New Forest and for AONBs generally.

§ Mr. Loughton
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he will be in a position to make a firm announcement on the future of the Sussex Downs Conservation Board. [93251]

§ Mr. Meacher
I expect an announcement to be made later this year, as part of the Government's response to the advice on the future management of protected countryside which was produced by the former Countryside Commission. In the meantime, the Sussex Downs Conservation Board has a clear commitment of Government funding until March 2001.