§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the members and qualifications of the board of the Environment Agency; and what steps have been taken to inform industry and the public about the forthcoming work plan of the agency. [15621]
§ Mr. ClappisonMembership of the board is:
- Lord De Ramsey (Chairman)
- Sir Richard George (Deputy Chairman)
- Peter Burnham
- Professor Ronald Edwards
- Imtiaz Farookhi
- Edward Gallagher
- Nigel Haigh
- Christopher Hampson
- Councillor John Harman
- Mrs. Karen Morgan
- John Norris
- Derek Osborn
- Dr. Anne Powell
- Mrs. Joan Wykes.
My right hon. Friend has announced his intention to appoint an industrialist to the remaining vacancy.
Full information is not held centrally about individual members' formal qualifications.
Prior to vesting on 1 April, the agency has had extensive contact with industry, environmental interest groups, local authorities and other public bodies about its role and plans. A formal launch was held on 6 February. The agency is currently preparing its corporate plan for 1997–98, which will include data for 1996–97. This will be published in the summer.
The agency will be inviting comments from all interested parties to inform its future strategies and plans. In addition, the agency is contacting businesses to provide them with contact points.