§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what appointments have recently been made to the Nature Conservancy Council; what relevant experience these people have that qualifies them for membership; whether he has received any representations concerning the appointments from pressure groups or other interested bodies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyFive new members of the Nature Conservancy Council were appointed with effect from 1 April 1989—the Earl of Dalkeith, Dr. Bill Mutch, Earl Peel, Mr. Lindsay Waddell and Mr. William Wilder. They have a range of relevant qualifications and experience. More details are given in the press release issued by my noble Friend, the Minister for Housing, Environment and Countryside on 29 March 1989, a copy of which I have sent to the hon. Member.
My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, has received a small number of letters commenting on the recent appointments. Members are appointed for the personal contribution that they can bring to the work of the council.