NATIONAL PARKS AND ACCESS TO THE COUNTRYSIDE ACT 1949

Early day motion 582, tabled 22 April 1999 by Lord Clark of Windermere (Labour). Signed by 58 members.

That this House welcomes the 50th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 that established the system for the designation of the finest landscapes as national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty and for providing crucial protection and enhancement of these much-valued areas; recognises that National Parks provide enhanced opportunities and vital lungs for people from all parts of the community, be they young, old, rural or urban dwellers, to enjoy these areas through quiet open-air recreation and to enjoy their spiritual qualities; and believes there is a need to look forward to the next 50 years through further designation of areas that merit national park status, to give increased recognition to the parks and AONBs throughout Government policy and a strong legislative framework that can be assisted through adequate funding, enhanced provision for quiet enjoyment, and through the implementation of section 62 of the Environment Act 1995 to ensure that all public bodies 'have regard to National Park purposes'.

Signatures by party: Labour 41, Liberal Democrat 8, Labour/Co-operative 5, Conservative 4.