§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment Transport and the Regions what procedure he is following for the process of creating a National Park for the South Downs; and what the approximate timetable is. [134848]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Countryside Agency is responsible for designating National Parks and is in the process of considering a designation in the South Downs. The draft timetable provided by the Agency indicates that detailed local consultation on a possible boundary and administrative arrangements will continue until spring 2002, at which time the Agency proposes to deliver a designation order to the Secretary of State along with recommendations on administrative arrangements. The Secretary of State's role is to consider the designation order along with any representations received. In deciding whether to confirm the order, with or without modifications, the Secretary of State will consider any objections and, if necessary, call a public inquiry.