The Conservatives have said that they will "strongly" support the UK's National Parks if they win this year's general election.

Speaking on a live web chat on the Guardian's website, shadow environment secretary Nick Herbert said that the party was "committed" to the parks.

In response to a question from one "cwestney", who asked what the Tory policy on funding for the UK's National Parks was, Herbert replied: "National parks protect our most precious landscapes. They're vitally important areas and we need to continue to give the parks our strong backing.

"I recently signed a Commons motion marking the 60th anniversary of the creation of National Parks and pointing to the challenges and opportunities they face, including tackling and adapting to climate change, helping provide affordable housing for local people, and supporting a diverse and successful rural economy that sustains these landscapes.

"You probably won't be surprised to hear that in the current economic climate I can't make any pledges about funding in any Defra area, but I hope this makes our commitment to the parks clear."