§ Sir Patrick McNair-WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria he intends to apply when considering the granting of statutory power to the New Forest Committee; and what account he has taken in considering the granting of such powers of the New Forest Acts of Parliament.
§ Mr. AtkinsOur 1992 consultation paper set out the remit under which a statutory New Forest Committee might operate. They are that it could have a strategic role in co-ordinating the management of the wider New Forest area and could be charged to work with and through existing organisations in pursuit of the care and protection of the wider New Forest area and its enjoyment by the public. Responsibilities of the existing bodies concerned with the protection of the forest or the New Forest Acts would not be affected.
§ Sir Patrick McNair-WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy that any granting of statutory power and Government funding to the New Forest Committee will not diminish or threaten the continuance of the current New Forest Acts of Parliament.
§ Mr. AtkinsYes.