HL Deb 14 February 2000 vol 609 cc126-7WA
Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their criteria for imposing consistency throughout the United Kingdom in environmental and health regulations, given that the protection of wildfowl from lead poisoning applies only in England. [HL864]

Lord Whitty

It is inherent in the principle of devolution that there will not necessarily be consistency of regulation throughout the United Kingdom and that measures will not necessarily be implemented on a consistent timetable.

All the devolved administrations are responsible for various matters concerning environmental protection, though in many cases the framework provided by Community law, or by other international organisations, will provide a consistency of effect and of timing between the regulations.

As regards legislation and the Environmental Protection (Restriction on the Use of Lead Shot) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I 1999/2170), the decision on whether to implement similar legislation in Wales and Scotland is a matter for the devolved authorities. The devolved authorities are currently considering the implementation of lead shot legislation.