§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what recent assessment she has made of the work of(a) the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, (b) the Lake District NPA and (c) National Parks Authorities in general; [24039]
(2) what plans her Department has to publish lists of applicants for appointment by the Secretary of State to National Parks Authorities; [24051]
(3) what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the system of appointments to National Parks Authorities; [24050]
(4) what recent projects have been undertaken by (a) the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and (b) the Lake District National Park Authority; and what role members appointed by her Department have had in supporting such projects; [24054]
(5) what the political affiliations were of those who have been appointed to (a) the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and (b) the Lake District National Park Authority (i) between May 1997 and May 2001 and (ii) since June 2001; [24048]
436W(6) what guidance is given to applicants for positions with National Parks Authorities; and what feedback is provided to those whose applications are unsuccessful; [24052]
(7) what criteria are employed when selecting applicants for interview for positions with National Park Authorities; and what plans her Department has to review such procedures; [24049]
(8) which members have been appointed to (a) the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and (b) the Lake District National Park Authority since June; and how many of these members were known to (i) herself and (ii) her ministerial colleagues prior to their appointment. [24053]
§ Alun MichaelWe have looked recently at the work of all the National Park Authorities in order to determine the distribution of National Park Grant for 2002–03. A wider National Park Authorities review started in August and this will be completed next spring.
We have no plans to publish lists of applicants for appointment by the Secretary of State to National Park Authorities; the effectiveness of the system of appointments is being considered as part of the review.
Applicants for Secretary of State appointments to National Park Authorities are not required to state their political affiliation. They are asked for detail on any political activities, which may be used in the announcement of their post. Neither political activities nor political affiliation is a criterion for or against appointment.
I will write to the hon. Member with the answers to the remaining questions.