To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he expects to make an announcement on a National Park covering the South Downs. (140757)

DEFRA will shortly be inviting further representations on matters that were not able to be addressed by the South Downs Inquiry. In the light of responses received, Ministers will consider whether it is appropriate for the inquiry to be re-opened. If the inquiry is re-opened, an announcement on the decision whether to create a South Downs National Park is expected no later than autumn 2008. If it is not re-opened, an announcement early in 2008 will be possible.