§ Mr. Ryderasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to establish a new authority for the Norfolk Broads.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerYes. The Government intend to introduce a Bill to set up a new statutory authority, with powers for the comprehensive management of the Broads, at the earliest practicable opportunity.
This is a nationally important area for landscape, nature conservation and recreation. We are convinced that if the steady decline of its ecology is to be reversed, the arrangements for managing the land and water resources of this unique area must be put on a durable statutory basis. The Government have therefore decided to give priority to legislation to this end, following advice to the local authorities wishing to promote such legislation that it is not suitable for introduction as a private Bill.
Subject to parliamentary approval of the Bill, the new authority will take over the existing powers of the present non-statutory Broads authority, and powers to control navigation over most of the Broads rivers system on 1 April 1988.