§ Mr. Keyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent he proposes to support and celebrate the European Year of the Environment which commences in March 1987; whether he will be supporting selected projects; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend has pledged his full support for the European Year of the Environment. This important and worthwhile venture has the aim of increasing public awareness of environmental questions throughout the Community. The United Kingdom will play a full and vigorous part.
My right hon. Friend announced on 6 March that he had appointed Sir Peter Harrop to chair the United Kingdom's National Committee and to sit on the Steering Committee in Brussels. It will be the responsibility of the National Committee to develop a strategy for the United Kingdom and we expect to announce the remaining membership very shortly.
My Department has already indentified a number of schemes to support and will keep in close touch with the National Committee.