HC Deb 20 March 2000 vol 346 c392W
Ms Ryan

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what steps are being taken to prepare a response to the recommendation in the Twentieth Report of the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs Committee, Session 1998–99 (HC 477), about Greater London; [114561]

(2) what plans he has to include in the preparation of the White Paper on rural issues investment in and support for the management of green and open spaces within conurbations, with special reference to London. [114554]

Ms Beverley Hughes

The Government's Response was published in January 2000 (Cmnd 4550). It identified a number of recommendations to be considered further in the White Paper on urban policy. The White Paper will set out policies and proposals for improving the quality of life in our towns and cities. An important part of this will be our proposals for improving the management of the public realm, including our parks and open spaces.

Parks and open spaces are important to the quality of life in all our towns, cities and conurbations. The proposals set out in our Response and being developed in the White Paper are for national application.