HL Deb 26 April 1977 vol 382 cc547-8WA
Lord NORTHFIELD

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are yet able to make a further statement about the Exmoor Study.

Baroness BIRK

At the request of the Exmoor National Park Committee, and in consultation with the Countryside Commission, the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have appointed Lord Porchester to undertake a study with the following terms of reference:—

1. To assess:—

  1. (a) the nature and extent of changes since 1954 in the moorland within the "Critical Amenity Area" of the Exmoor National Park (as defined by the former National Park Committee in 1968);
  2. (b) the amount of land in that Area now remaining unchanged;
  3. (c) the amount of land in that Area, which, by virtue of its ownership, characteristics, or for any other reasons, is unlikely to undergo change in the foreseeable future;

2. To assess the nature and extent of changes in similar land elsewhere in the National Park.

3. To assess to what extent farmers are likely to be able, and to wish, to take action which would result in a change of character in such land within the Park and in particular within the CAA (with or without grant-aid); to identify where such changes might take place having regard to the agricultural and economic potential and over what period of time.

4. To assess the effects of any such changes on:—

  1. (i) the needs of agriculture and food production;
  2. (ii) the economic and social interests of the area;
  3. (iii) the "natural beauty and amenity"* of the National Park;
  4. (iv) facilities for the enjoyment of, and open-air recreation in, the National Park.

* As interpreted in Section 49(4) of the Countryside Act 1968.

To consider what courses of action (in accordance with the statutory objectives of the National Park and with the requirements of Section 11 and 37 of the Countryside Act 1968) are open to relevant public authorities in order to ensure that a proper balance is struck between the various national and local interests involved; and the financial consequences of each.

To advise the Ministers, the Countryside Commission and the National Park Committee in the exercise of their functions.

House adjourned at seventeen minutes past ten o'clock.