§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of the total number of his non-industrial staff is employed on the conservation of rare species; and if he considers this to be an adequate proportion.
§ Mr. Denis HowellLess than one per cent., but account must also be taken of the staff employed on conservation work in other Government Departments, and in the various specialist bodies, such as the Nature Conservancy Council, which have been established to provide advice on such matters. I consider this proportion to be adequate, bearing in mind the wide range of the Department's responsibilities, but I shall continue to keep the position under review.