HC Deb 10 May 1984 vol 59 cc442-3W
Mr. Body

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many proven loss management agreements are under negotiation by the Nature Conservancy Council, the Countryside Commission and national parks authorities; and if he will (a) give details of the affected sites and the proposed damaging developments and (b) list the anticipated cost of each agreement.

Mr. Waldegrave

The Nature Conservancy Council is currently negotiating more than 500 management agreements. Latest estimates indicate that these will involve annual payments of some £1 million in addition to capital sums and back-payments of nearly £1.4 million.

The Countryside Commission is not empowered to enter into management agreements but it advises that under section 39 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 national park authorities are negotiating some 40 agreements involving compensation for agreed restrictions on proposaed operations. The annual cost a these agreements has been tentatively estimated by the Countryside Commission as about £85,000.

Details and expected costs of individual agreements under negotiation must remain confidential.