HC Deb 09 December 1988 vol 143 cc347-8W
Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on the level of rate support grant paid to Westminster city council over the last 12 months.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

[holding answer 7 December 1988]: The Westminster city council is not at present in receipt of block grant under the rate support grant system. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, has however received several representations about Westminster's contributions to the London rate equalisation scheme.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what actions he has taken to encourage the transfer of ownership of national nature reserves to voluntary conservation bodies;

(2) what plans he has for the selling of national nature reserves; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The Nature Conservancy Council is conducting a comprehensive review of policy towards national nature reserves (NNRs). As part of that review they are considering the size and management of the NNR network and the scope for reserves owned by the NCC to be sold to the private sector (including voluntary bodies) under appropriate conservation safeguards. We expect to receive a report from the council by the end of the year.