§ 3. Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on his official visit to the royal botanic gardens in Edinburgh to discuss the Darwin initiative.
§ Mr. HowardI visited the royal botanic gardens in Edinburgh on 18 September at the invitation of Professor Ingram, the Regis Keeper, to look at the excellent and very important research work being carried out particularly in plant systematics, biodiversity and conservation. I visited the living collections, the herbarium collections and the library collections and saw evidence of the extensive scientific and educational programmes undertaken there. I was extremely impressed by the valuable work being carried out there.
§ Mr. DalyellBut how much new money will there be for Darwin?
§ Mr. HowardI am sure that the hon. Gentleman looks forward with the same pleasurable anticipation as I do to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer's autumn statement tomorrow.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonDoes my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the Wildlife and Countryside (Amendment) Act 1991 is already making a contribution to areas covered by the Darwin initiative?
§ Mr. HowardMy hon. Friend is right. We make a distinguished contribution to the cause of biodiversity, but the Darwin initiative will mark a new stage in our contribution to that cause. I look forward to being able to make announcements before too long which will take the initiative forward.