§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to increase the number of national parks. [3914]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 16 July 2001]: The Countryside Agency is responsible for designating National Parks in England, subject to the confirmation of a designation order by the Secretary of State. In September 1999 the Government asked the Countryside Agency to consider designating two National Parks in the South Downs and the New Forest and we await their recommendations.