asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the adoption of conservation policies for already designated conservation areas.

Local Planning authorities have a duty under the Town and Country Planning Act 1971 to formulate and to publish proposals for the preservation and enhancement of designated conservation areas. It is for local planning authorities to determine how to carry out this duty in practice. My right hon. Friend has no plans to add to the guidance set out in DOE Circulars 23/77 and 12/81.