HC Deb 26 June 1973 vol 858 c1312
24. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what recent discussions she has had with representatives of environmental organisations about the future of the Nature Conservancy.

Mrs. Thatcher

Recently, officers of my Department and of that of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment have consulted the Natural Environment Research Council, the Nature Conservancy Committee and the staff interests concerned about the detailed arrangements for implementing the Government's decision concerning the future of the Nature Conservancy.

Mr. Dalyell

Now that the complex arguments have been fully deployed, is not this one occasion in politics when a Government could honourably change their minds?

Mrs. Thatcher

I do not think at the moment that there is any question of the Government changing their minds. I believe that the Bill has just passed through the other place and will be coming before this House.