§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) where the scientific work on estuaries, heathlands, woodlands, peatland and ornithology will be based once the proposed re-organisation of the Nature Conservancy Council is completed;
(2) whether he intends to keep intact the Nature Conservancy Council's chief scientist's directorate.
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[holding answer 20 July 1989]: Detailed discussions are now taking place to determine the organisation, complement and geographical location of the bodies which will succeed the Nature Conservancy Council. The Government will ensure that each of the bodies has access to appropriate scientific expertise and hopes that it will be possible for all members of NCC's existing permanent staff to be offered posts by the successor bodies.