Written question asked by Julia Drown (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 May 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 May 2001. It was answered by Lord Howarth of Newport (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 May 2001 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: Statement on when he will publish the report on the five year review of the Royal Parks Agency; and if he will make a statement. - Inc fact that report was published today, copies in Library. (Dep 01/790).

Answer: Ms Drown: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when he will publish the report on the five-year review of the Royal Parks Agency; and if he will make a statement. [160943] Mr. Alan Howarth: The report was published today and I have placed copies in the Libraries of both Houses. The report is also available on the DCMS website (www.culture.gov.uk). The report's main conclusion and recommendation is that responsibility for the Royal Parks should remain with central Government and that the Royal Parks Agency (RPA) should continue to manage them although the Department should work towards establishing the Royal Parks as a non-departmental public body. The Government welcome the report and will respond in due course. I am pleased to note the report's recognition of the essential role of the Royal Parks Advisory Board in helping the effective management of the Royal Parks by their advice to Ministers and to the Chief Executive. I am grateful for their contribution which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, and I very much value. We welcome the initiative the board has taken over the past year in extending their role by providing independent advice on a wider range of the agency's plans, performance and longer-term strategy.

Secondary information