(1)There shall be a [F2Countryside Agency] which shall exercise functions in relation to England for the purposes specified in subsection (2) below; and the Countryside Council for Wales (established by section 128 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990) shall exercise corresponding functions in relation to Wales for the corresponding purposes specified in section 130(2) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
(2)The purposes for which the functions of [F3the Agency] are exercisable are—
(a)the preservation and enhancement of natural beauty in England, both in the areas designated under this Act as National Parks or as areas of outstanding natural beauty and elsewhere;
(b)encouraging the provision or improvement, for persons resorting to National Parks, of facilities for the enjoyment thereof and for the enjoyment of the opportunities for open-air recreation and the study of nature afforded thereby.]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 1 headed “The Countryside Commission and the Countryside Council for Wales.” substituted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 1(2); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3
F2Words in s. 1(1) substituted (20.2.1999) by S.I. 1999/416, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 1(2)
F3Words in s. 1(2) substituted (20.2.1999) by S.I. 1999/416, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 1(5)
Textual Amendments
F4Ss. 2, 4 repealed and superseded by Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (c. 169, SIF 4:5), s. 47, Sch. 17 Pt. II
(1)The Minister may give to [F5the Agency][F6or to the Council] such directions of a general character as appear to him expedient in relation to the exercise of their functions, and [F5the Agency][F6or Council] shall comply with directions given under this section.
(2)As soon as may be after giving a direction under this section the Minister shall, unless in his opinion it is against the interests of national security so to do, cause a notice setting out the direction to be published in such manner as appears to him to be requisite for informing persons and bodies of persons concerned.
Textual Amendments
F5Words in s. 3(1) substituted (20.2.1999) by S.I. 1999/416, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 1(5)
F6Words in s. 3(1) inserted (1.4.1991) by Environmental Protection Act 1990 (c. 43, SIF 46:4), s. 130(1), Sch. 8 para. 1(3); S.I. 1991/685, art. 3
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Functions of Minister under this section, except functions of giving directions (a) not relating to Wales (not transferred) and (b) functions relating to Wales only (exercisable by secretary of State), now exercisable jointly with Secretary of State: S.I. 1967/486, art. 2(3)(4)
Textual Amendments
F7Ss. 2, 4 repealed and superseded by Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (c. 169, SIF 4:5), s. 47, Sch. 17 Pt. II