§ Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the progress made by the Nature Conservancy Council in carrying out the responsibilities placed upon it in November 1973.
§ Mr. John SilkinYes. Hon. Members will be able to form their own conclusions in the light of the council's first annual report, which was published on 30th October, but I consider that excellent progress is being made. I appreciate the council's concern lest the performance of some of its statutory duties be affected by insufficient resources; but in present circumstances I am confident that difficulties of this kind will be understood.