§ 33. Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow)If she will set up a Select Committee to consider Her Majesty's Government's response to the publication of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources red list on threatened plants compiled by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre. [41329]
§ The President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mrs. Ann Taylor)I believe that this subject could come within the terms of reference of the Select Committee on the Environment, Transport and Regional Affairs, and also, possibly, the Environmental Audit Committee. I see no need for a separate Committee on the issue.
§ Mr. DalyellIs there not at least a respectable case for a Select Committee, as at least six Departments are involved in the response to the red list? Apart from anything we may say about these botanical treasure houses becoming extinct, will my right hon. Friend comment on the study, which I have drawn to the Department's attention, by Meilleur and Phillips, which cites a figure of £9 billion, even on a commercial basis? Is there not a case for a co-ordinated response by Government, and quickly?
§ Mrs. TaylorMy hon. Friend did draw my attention to that research. It is important that we should safeguard plant species threatened by extinction, and the United Kingdom fully contributes to its financial obligations under a number of international agreements that promote co-operation in safeguarding plants at risk of extinction. Steps have been taken to ensure that there is co-operation between Departments and that we are fully supportive of their efforts.
§ Mr. Nicholas Soames (Mid-Sussex)I warmly endorse the point made by the hon. Member for Linlithgow (Mr. Dalyell). Is the right hon. Lady aware that Kew and Wakehurst place—which have outstanding assets and a quality of expertise of worldwide fame—are in an exceptionally good position to play a fundamental role in the co-ordination of Government policy? The hon. Gentleman made a key point—there are too many Departments involved in trying to pull together a very disparate subject.
§ Mrs. TaylorI agree that there is a great deal of expertise in this country, but I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's criticism and his comment about the need for further co-operation. Steps have already been taken to ensure that there is co-operation between Departments. Ministers and officials want to work with the experts to whom the hon. Gentleman referred.