§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Croydon, North-East (Mr. Congdon) of 8 July,Official Report, columns 233–35, what is his policy on the proposals put forward by France, Greece and Spain at the EC Environment Council meeting in Luxembourg on 29 June regarding the extension of sport shooting to a number of protected bird species; what progress has been made by COREPER; and when he now expects the revised annexes to the wild birds directive to be adopted.
§ Mr. YeoThe United Kingdom did not oppose the proposals for amending annex II of the bird directive—79/409/EEC—considered at the EC Environment Council on 29 June 1993. No agreement was reached and it is for the presidency to determine how to take the matter forward and the timing of future discussions.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consultations he had with United Kingdom conservation organisations prior to deciding the United Kingdom position on amendments to annex II of the EC birds directive.
§ Mr. YeoScientific advice on the proposals was sought from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was informed of the proposals and made representations.