§ Mr. Corbettasked the Prime Minister if she will list the Government Departments which have responsibilities for the preservation of wild reptiles and amphibians; and whether there are plans to increase their powers and scope of responsibility.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government Departments which have responsibilities for the conservation of wild reptiles and amphibians are the Department of the Environment, the Scottish Office, the Welsh Office and the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland). The Government rely for scientific advice on the conservation of these and other wildlife species on the Nature Conservancy Council. There are no plans at present to increase the powers and scope of responsibility of the foregoing Government Departments. It is possible by order to add to the list of protected animals and plants and others likely to be in danger of extinction.