§ Mr. GouldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what specific steps the Government have taken to encourage landscape conservation and improvement and to encourage the provision of opportunities for recreation since September 1990.
§ Mr. HeseltineLast month, the Government announced the designation of the Blackdown Hills as the 39th Area of outstanding natural beauty—Official Report, column 494—and the Countryside Commission launched its countryside stewardship scheme under which farmers and landowners will be offered payments to conserve traditional English landscapes, enhance wildlife habitats and provide additional public access. In addition, five new groundwork trusts have been established to undertake environmental improvements.