HC Deb 25 June 1998 vol 314 c561W
Mr. Collins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how he proposes to consult residents and businesses within the Lake District National Park following the publication of his conclusions about transport strategy in the area; [47463]

(2) if (a) the viability of local businesses, (b) the prospects for local jobs and (c) the nature of village life in the area will be taken into account in his Department's review of transport strategy within the Lake District National Park; and if he will make a statement; [47464]

(3) which organisations and individuals representing residents and businesses within the Lake District National Park (a) have been consulted, (b) will be consulted and (c) have chosen to express a view on his Department's transport strategy for the area; [47465]

(4) when he expects to announce his conclusions concerning transport policy within the Lake District National Park; and if he will make a statement. [47466]

Angela Eagle

The Deputy Prime Minister has asked me to look at the transport problems faced by the Lake District and to see what the Government can do to help build on the work which has already been done by a local partnership including Cumbria County Council, the National Park Authority, the Countryside Commission and the Cumbria Tourist Board. I visited the Lake District National Park on 15 May to meet the local partners and to see the problems and opportunities first hand. The Government are committed to an integrated approach, linking matters such as jobs, housing, transport and other services in rural areas, to foster a living sustainable countryside.

Any new proposals will need to build on the existing transport strategy, for which consultation mechanisms already exist. A number of individuals and organisations representing local interests have put forward their views on the transport problems and solutions in the Lake District National Park. I will be reporting my findings to the Deputy Prime Minister shortly. We will then need to consider the way forward with the local partners.