HL Deb 27 October 2004 vol 665 c1329

(1) English Nature may provide advice on request to the registrar or the Tribunal about the exercise of a function under this Act in relation to England.

(2) The Countryside Council for Wales may provide advice on request to the registrar or the Tribunal about the exercise of a function under this Act in relation to Wales."

The noble Lord said: In moving this amendment I suspect that I may have answered the question posed by the Minister a few moments ago. It refers to the other advisory bodies which the registrar must consult, one of which is the Countryside Council for Wales while the other is English Nature. I imagine that those bodies would be in an ideal position to advise the registrar on issues of utility, which is perhaps why they were originally included. However, beyond that advisory role, it is not clear why they have been included. I suppose that that is the answer to the rhetorical question put to me by the Minister. I beg to move.

Lord Whitty

Clearly, English Nature and the Countryside Council of Wales would be there to provide advice on a number of issues—principally on biodiversity—in the areas of their expertise.

On Question, amendment agreed to.

Baroness Mallalieu moved Amendment No. 21:

After Clause 5, insert the following new clause—

"Application for registration