§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will consider contesting the legal action pending against the United Kingdom for non-compliance with the 1979 birds directive.
§ Mr. BaldryWe recently learnt that the European Commission may bring forward a proposal for amending the relevant provisions of the directive. We shall consider what action may be required when the Commission has clarified its intentions, but we hope the matter can be settled without referral to the court.
§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will urge his colleagues in the Council168W of Ministers to recommend to the European Commission the reinstatement of the pests annex to the 1979 birds directive; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BaldryWe intend to raise the question of pest control under the directive at the next meeting of the Environment Council.