§ Baroness Byfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
What additional funding has been sought by the Countryside Agency for a new restoration initiative to restore open downland and provide access to it in the South Downs; whether such funding includes a number of mechanisms which would allow the Countryside Agency, or another body, to purchase targeted land on the open market; and whether they can confirm that £60 million has been allocated to the Countryside Agency or other bodies for the purpose of restoration work in the South Downs. [HL2924]
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Whiny)We are considering Countryside Agency expenditure plans from 2001–02 to 2003–04 as part of the Spending Review 2000. Decisions about future funding will be taken following the announcement by Her Majesty's Treasury of the overall settlement for the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, which is expected in July. Details of the Spending Review are not disclosed until finally announced.