§ 43. Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy with regard to the relative demands of increased agricultural production and environmental protection.
§ Mr. John SilkinWhen exercising my function relating to land under any enactment, I am required by Section 11 of the Countryside Act 1968 to have regard to the desirability of conserving the natural beauty and amenity of the countryside. In addition, I am required by Section 37 of the Countryside Act, when exercising my functions under that Act and the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, to have due regard to the needs of agriculture and forestry and to the economic and social interests of rural areas.