§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the consequences(a) in financial terms and (b) on work undertaken of the 5 per cent. reduction in real terms in the budget of the Nature Conservancy Council for 1989–90 in the areas of (i) sites of special scientific interest notification/renotification, (ii) land purchase, (iii) marine conservation, (iv) urban conservation, and (v) grants to voluntary organisations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyI refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply that I gave him yesterday at column284 concerning the basis of the Nature Conservancy Council's allocation for 1989–90. The Council is responsible for the detailed planning and distribution of its budget and its estimates and corporate plan for 1989–90 will make appropriate provision for the areas listed.