§ 35. Mr. Deedesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the future organisation and status of Nature Conservancy.
§ Mr. CroslandThe formal responsibilities of the Nature Conservancy will be transferred to the Natural Environment Research Council, but the Conservancy will continue to carry out its present functions under the supervision of the new Council as part of the general effort in environmental science. Its members will form one of the main Committees of the Council, and its status will be the same as that of the other major components of the new organisation.
§ Mr. DeedesCan the Minister say whether this change will reduce the influence of the Nature Conservancy? Is he aware that there is great anxiety among those who think that in present circumstances nature conservancy is doing an indispensable job and its authority ought not to be diminished?
§ Mr. CroslandI am well aware of the anxiety which has been expressed a great 695 deal in the correspondence columns of The Times. The anxiety and fears expressed are completely unfounded, and I should like to take the opportunity of saying that not only the Government but Sir Graham Sutton, the new Chairman of N.E.R.C., attach great importance to the work which the Conservancy has done and must continue to do.