Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 7:45 pm on 27 February 2006.

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Photo of Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer Spokesperson in the Lords, Environment, Food & Rural Affairs 7:45, 27 February 2006

Given the importance of national parks and the difference between how each area of land has been treated historically in the south-west, for example—Exmoor became a national park while the Mendips did not—even under the withdrawn government criteria there would have been a debate. Even under Amendment No. 306A there would have been a debate. There is always a long public inquiry and plenty of consultation. We should not make a mountain out of a molehill although it is important that we get it as right as we can. I declare the same interest as a vice president of the Council for National Parks. I am most concerned that the importance of national parks is at the forefront of our minds. I believe that the Government are correct to give some thought to the issue. I acknowledge that the Minister tried to telephone me, but I was coming back from seeing the parrots, so I was not at my desk. I do not believe that the noble Baroness's amendment is correct because I am unhappy with the phrase,

"high degree of relative naturalness", as we then get into discussions of what is relative and so on.

The Government were nearly there in their amendment, and I hope that we can discuss it with better humour on Report. I am sure that some consultation between now and then will be very helpful.