§ 61. Mr. Campbell-Savoursasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received on the European Year of the Environment.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend, my noble Friend and I have received a number of representations about European Year of the Environment which begins next March. These illustrate a growing interest in the preparations of the United Kingdom's national committee (on which my right hon. Friend serves) and an eagerness to participate. Our recent announcement that HRH the Prince of Wales has agreed to become United Kingdom patron of EYE is a further great encouragement to all concerned. My department is providing financial and administrative support to the national committee and, along with other departments, will be contributing directly to the programme of events and activities. I shall give my personal support to as many events in Britain as possible. I was particularly happy, during the United Kingdom's Presidency of the Community, to be able to welcome Commissioner Clinton Davis and his EC-wide steering committee to a London meeting this week and to hear about the development of its plans.