§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to take in the light of the report commissioned for his Department by Lawrence Gould Consultants Ltd. on the system of compensation payments under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldWe have been examining the complex issues raised in this report in great detail. When this examination is completed, we intend to consult on both the report and our preliminary conclusions. The hon. Member will no doubt be glad to note that, contrary to the impression given by ill-informed comment, the consultants found that some 68 per cent. of claims for payment involve less than £500 per annum, and that the average cost for all agreements was £26.8 per annum per hectare.
§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now withdraw circular 4/83 following the Gould report on compensation payments under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe question whether any amendment to circular 4/83 is necessary, will be considered in the light of the consultations indicated in the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Slough (Mr. Watts) on 17 JuneOfficial Report, column 502.