Countryside Commission

Mr. Chris Smith
asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to make more resources available to the Countryside Commission to enable it to discharge more effectively its functions in relation to the enjoyment of the countryside by the public.

Mr. Waldegrave
Since 1979–80, we have increased the resources available to the Countryside Commission by 61 per cent. in real terms to enable them to fulfil effectively their statutory responsibilities, which include the promotion of recreation in the countryside. I expect to receive their corporate strategy, which will outline their plans for 1988–89 onwards, shortly and will consider their future resource requirements in that context.