§ Mr. Peter AtkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements have been made for appointing the members to the new national park authorities provided for by the Environment Act 1995. [7437]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe new independent national park authorities, whose creation was provided for by the Environment Act, are intended to be established in England on 1 October 1996, and to take over their full powers and responsibilities on 1 April 1997.
During the passage of the Environment Act, the importance of the role for the Secretary of State's appointed members in bringing the wider national viewpoint to the deliberations of the national parks was emphasised.
My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for the Environment and Countryside has today written to all Members who have a constituency interest in national parks, inviting nominations for Secretary of State members of the new authorities. Officials will also seek nominations from a wide range of organisations.
Candidates are sought from a wide range of backgrounds and interests. All those with an interest in the parks are encouraged to put forward names for consideration. Local publicity will be arranged in the individual national parks.
Nominations are required by 29 February 1996.
In making these appointments to the new authorities, we will wish to bear in mind the desirability of maintaining some continuity of membership as well as of introducing some new members. We will select individuals for their personal qualities and experience, and not as representatives for specific groups or organisations. 1102W We expect them to have regard to the interests of all those who are concerned with a specific park, but our primary concern is that those members should bring the wider national viewpoint to the authorities' discussions.
The Secretary of State will continue to be advised on his appointment by the Countryside Commission, which provides an independent input in to the selection process, and whose advice has always been valuable.