HC Deb 06 December 1972 vol 847 cc1293-4
22. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what arrangements exist for co-operation between his Department and the Scottish Office in matters concerning the environment.

Mr. Rippon

There are many different arrangements for inter-departmental cooperation. My Department and that of my right hon. Friend use them as appropriate.

Mr. Eadie

Does the Secretary of State not agree that there is a great need for a very clear statement about the coordination between his Department and that of the Secretary of State for Scotland, since in Scotland there is great concern about the pollution of the environment, for example by North Sea oil? Can he give a clear statement on the administrative functions of both Departments, so that we can know where we are in this question of the preservation of the environment?

Mr. Rippon

The consultation goes on at every level from Cabinet Committees down to ordinary inter-departmental consultations. I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the Scots do not change just because they get into Government. It would give him the greatest possible satisfaction if he knew of the number of occasions when my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State or one of his colleagues says, "I think that the committee should know about the position in Scotland."