§ Mr. DafisI beg to move amendment No. 401, in page 30, line 19, after second 'the', insert 'Financial'.
The First Deputy ChairmanWith this, it will be convenient to discuss the following amendments: No. 402, in page 30, line 20, at end insert—
'(1A) The Assembly shall establish a committee to be known as the Environmental Audit Committee.'.
§ No. 403, in page 30, line 21, leave out 'Committee' and insert 'Committees'.
§ No. 404, in page 30, line 23, leave out 'Committee' and insert 'Committees'.
§ No. 405, in page 30, line 26, leave out 'Committee' and insert 'Committees'.
§ No. 406, in page 30, line 28, leave out 'Committee' and insert 'Committees'.
§ No. 407, in page 30, line 29, after third 'the', insert 'Financial'.
§
No. 408, in page 30, line 31, at end insert—
'(5A) The Assembly shall elect one of the members of the Environmental Audit Committee to chair the Committee but a member who represents the largest party in the Assembly may not chair it.'.
§ No. 409, in page 30, line 33, leave out 'Committee' and insert 'Committees'.
§ No. 410, in page 30, line 34, leave out 'Committee' and insert 'Committees'.
§ No. 411, in page 30, line 34, leave out 'its' and insert 'their'.
§ No. 415, in clause 73, page 36, line 15, leave out 'Committee' and insert 'Committees'.
§ Mr. DafisI must be very quick. I simply ask the Minister to respond to the idea of establishing an Environmental Audit Committee in the assembly. The Government are committed to sustainable development and have established an Environmental Audit Select Committee in the House. They regard it as a key mechanism to ensure that environmental policies are delivered across Departments. I hope that the Minister can respond quickly.
§ Mr. Win GriffithsThe hon. Gentleman knows that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has already told the House that, in accordance with the White Paper, he will bring forward an amendment on sustainable development. He has also asked the National Assembly advisory group to consider an Environmental Audit Committee because he has received representations on 795 that. Given our positive view on sustainability and the request to the advisory group, I hope that the hon. Gentleman will withdraw the amendment.
§ It being half-past Eight o'clock, THE CHAIRMAN, pursuant to the Order [15 January] and the Resolution [this day], put forthwith the Question already proposed from the Chair.
§ Amendment negatived.
§ THE CHAIRMAN then proceeded to put forthwith the Question necessary for the disposal of the business to be concluded at that hour.
§ Clause 61 ordered to stand part of the Bill.