§ Mr. GarnierTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he intends to designate the Welland Valley up and down stream from Market Harborough an area of outstanding natural beauty; and if he will make a statement. [123904]
§ Mr. MullinDesignation of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) is the responsibility of the Countryside Agency, subject to confirmation in each case by the Secretary of State. I am not aware of any plans by the Agency to designate the Welland Valley as an AONB.