§ Mr. WatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what representations he has received about the protection of the South Downs; [17922]
(2) when he plans to announce a decision about the future of the South Downs Conservation Board; [17923]
(3) what representations he has received about the future of the South Downs Conservation Board. [17924]
§ Angela EagleMinisters have received a number of representations about the protection of the South Downs and about the future of the Sussex Downs Conservation Board. At our request, the Countryside Commission is carrying out the consultation on the long term arrangements for the South Downs. A conference was held in Brighton on 26 November to launch the consultation, at which it was announced that the consultation period has been extended to 1 February. Copies of the consultation document are available from the Countryside Commission's London office and from 47W libraries within the South Downs and surrounding towns. The Commission will analyse the responses and bring the results and advice to Ministers next spring.