§ 7. Mr. John Randall (Uxbridge)What representations he has received concerning the Government's policy on the environment in Wales. [45905]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Win Griffiths)My right hon. Friend and I have received many representations on a wide range of environmental policies and issues in Wales.
§ Mr. RandallWill the forthcoming consultation paper tackle the serious problem of giving effective protection to Welsh marine wildlife?
§ Mr. GriffithsI can assure the hon. Gentleman that that will certainly be one of the issues that we want to target. We want to ensure not only that land sites in Wales are safe, but that marine sites are, too. Soon after we came into government, I set up a coastal forum for that purpose-something that the Conservative Government refused to do.
§ Mr. Elfyn Llwyd (Meirionnydd Nant Conwy)The Minister will be aware of the positive response of Welsh farmers to the proposed all-Wales agri-environmental scheme. In those circumstances, will he confirm that all the necessary paperwork has already been submitted to Brussels?
§ Mr. GriffithsWe are discussing those issues with Brussels at this moment. We certainly hope to be able to make an announcement in the near future.