HL Deb 02 November 1987 vol 489 cc880-1WA
Lord Chelwood

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are satisfied that their advice, coupled with existing legislation regarding the protection and enjoyment of the countryside and the improvement of urban nature conservation services, is being followed in Greater London and the metropolitan counties (showing each separately), with particular regard to Section 7(2) of the Local Government Act 1985; and whether they will summarise the responses.

Lord Belstead

Provision of countryside services (including urban nature conservation) is a matter for the successor local authorities in the former Greater London and metropolitan county council areas. However, as was promised in Part 4 of the report laid before both Houses in February 1986 by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State, we have put in hand a number of additional measures beyond the provisions of the Local Government Act 1985, to help facilitate a smooth transition of countryside responsibilities. These measures have included additional resources and staff for the Countryside Commission and a continuing expansion of the Groundwork Trust network.

No central record is being kept by my department of the detailed arrangements in the areas affected, but I am assured by the two statutory agencies principally concerned, the Countryside Commission and the Nature Conservancy Council, that they are broadly satisfied with the arrangements which have been made for these important services, although they recognise the need to ensure that adequate provision is made for the carrying out of the programmes of countryside work they have inherited from the Greater London and metropolitan county councils.