§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister whether Commissioner Carla Ripa Di Meana had any consultations with Her Majesty's Government before arranging(a) to meet representatives of the Green party and (b) to make contact with non-governmental organisations concerned with the rain forest in Britain; and if she will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterNo. I understand that the European Commission is prepared to listen to the views of all bodies with an interest in the environment, including Opposition parties and non-governmental organisations. They are not obliged to consult the Governments of member states of the European Community before doing so. Her Majesty's Government have had regular and detailed discussions with the Commissioner on a wide range of environmental issues since he took up his post in January of this year.