HL Deb 14 February 2000 vol 609 cc125-6WA
Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether an extension of the powers of entry for the enforcement of Environmental Protection (Restriction on the Use of Lead Shot) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2170) from the police to officials of the Environment Agency or English Nature has to be authorised personally by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions or whether the decision to extend the powers can be delegated to an official of his department; and what documentary authorisation would need to be shown to the owners of premises by anyone other than a police officer seeking to enter the premises for the purpose of enforcing the regulation. [HL861]

Lord Whitty

The issuing of authorisation notices for enforcement of Environmental Protection (Restriction on the Use of Lead Shot) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2170) has been delegated to an official of my department.

An individual seeking to enter the premises for the purpose of enforcing the regulation Environmental Protection (Restriction on the Use of Lead Shot) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2170) would be required to show the authorisation notice from the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that Parliament is notified as soon as practicable after the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions authorises anyone other than a police officer to exercise powers of entry into private premises for the purpose of enforcing the Environmental Protection (Restriction on the Use of Lead Shot) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2170).[HL862]

Lord Whitty

As we have previously stated, there may be very rare occasions where another competent organisation such as the Environment Agency or English Nature is better placed to enforce the regulation, and the regulation needs to contain this element of flexibility.

If circumstances arise that the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions authorises another competent organisation other than a police officer to exercise powers of entry into private premises for the purpose of enforcing the Environmental Protection (Restriction on the Use of Lead Shot) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/2170), a copy of that authorisation notice will be placed in the House Libraries as soon as is practicable after that notice has been issued.