§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made during the Republic of Ireland presidency of the European Community with regard to the European draft directive on the protection of habitats, flora and fauna; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierAt the Environment Council on 7 June, I expressed regret at the lack of progress in negotiating a worthwhile European Community directive on the protection of habitats and flora and fauna, but acknowledged that the Irish presidency was absolved of blame for this. On funding for assisting member states to implement the directive, some progress has been made with the publication of a draft regulation on action by the Community relating to nature conservation (ACNAT).