§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what was anticipated to be the date upon which the Countryside Council for Wales would commence its activities on 1 January; and if he will make a statement.
(2) when he expects the Countryside Council for Wales to commence its activities; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if there has been any delay in the financing, establishment and starting date of the Countryside Council for Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsSubject to the passing of the relevant legislation, the Countryside Council for Wales will take over the responsibilities of the Nature Conservancy Council and the Countryside Commission in Wales with effect from 1 April 1991 as originally envisaged. The council will, however, be formally established before then, on a date to be determined, to enable it to prepare for its new role. The council will receive grant-in-aid from the date of its formal establishment.
332W
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to announce the composition of the Countryside Council for Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsMy right hon. Friend has already announced his intention to appoint Mr. Michael Griffith as the first chairman of the Countryside Council for Wales. My right hon. Friend and I are also currently considering the names of a number of candidates for other appointments to the council. An announcement will be made in due course.