§ Shona McIsaacTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she intends to call a local inquiry to consider the Designation Order for a New Forest National Park. [58528]
§ Margaret BeckettUnder schedule 1 to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, an inquiry must be held into the Designation Order if a local authority has objected and the objection has not been withdrawn. Several local authorities have lodged objections, which are being maintained. A letter is being sent to all those who have made objections or representations, advising them that a local inquiry is to be held and what the scope of the inquiry will be. A copy of the letter is in the Library of the House. The inquiry is expected to start in October.