§ Ms RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the budget for the Countryside Commission for(a) 1994–95, (b) 1995–96, (c) 1996–97 and (d) 1997–98. [7206]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe grant in aid budget for the Countryside Commission was £46.137 million for 1994–95 and is £42.124 million for 1995–96. The allocation for 1996–97 is £25.787 million and the planning figure for 1997–98 is £24.727 million.
The reduction in 1995–96 included £2 million for the national forest, work on which was commenced by the commission but which is being taken forward by the National Forest Company. The reductions in 1996–97 and 1997–98 take account of agreed transfers to MAFF—£13.293 million in each year—to support the transfer of responsibility for countryside stewardship, and to the groundwork foundation, £1.200 million in each year, for work in groundwork trust areas formerly funded by the Commission, as well as the 5 per cent. reduction in running costs being applied generally to the Department's sponsored bodies.