§ Mr. Alex Carlileasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the system of consultation used by the Nature Conservancy Council in connection with consultation zones in Wales; if he has any proposals for modification of the system; what proportion of consultation cases has resulted in the payment of compensation in each of the last four years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe only consultation zone in Wales is the Berwyn mountains. The successful operation of the zone depends on the voluntary co-operation of interested parties. Inevitably there are occasions when conflicting interests are difficult to reconcile but I am satisfied that both the Nature Conservancy Council and the farming community are approaching the matter constructively. The working of the system is primarily a matter for the parties concerned and I have no proposals to modify it.
Details of compensation are not collected in the form requested. One management agreement has been concluded since 1982 and 14 are under negotiation.