§ Baroness Nicolasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether or not they consider the Royal Parks Review to have proved to date a worthwhile and cost-effective means of addressing what the Royal Parks are for and what they should provide
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of National Heritage (Viscount Astor)The review, which has covered six of the Royal Parks to date, is certainly proving to be both very valuable and cost-effective. The review group has made 250 separate recommendations to improve the quality of the Royal Parks and the enjoyment of visitors. This is very much in line with the Government's determination to improve the quality of public services. The members of the review group are unpaid, apart from expenses, and devote a great deal of their time to private research and discussions with interest groups. I am satisfied that the review is being carried out in an expert and cost-effective way.