To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make a statement on the grant settlement received by the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty from Natural England for 2007-08; and what assessment he has made of the effect of the grant on the establishment of the Cotswolds Conservation Boards. (144887)

DEFRA does not fund areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs) directly. Most of the core (administrative) costs, and some of the project costs, involved are provided by Natural England. The relevant local authorities also make a significant contribution. It is for Natural England to determine funding levels for each AONB according to priorities and available resources.