§ Sir Hector MonroTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the present organisation of the statutory agencies responsible for nature conservation and countryside in Scotland.
§ Mr. RifkindMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment has today announced our intention to reorganise the agencies responsible for nature conservation and countryside matters in Great Britain.
With the growing interest and concern in all aspects of our environment, I am clear that we need a more integrated approach to nature conservation and countryside matters in Scotland. Our scenery, habitats and wildlife—indeed our natural resources as a whole—are priceless assets and they have characteristics which are distinctive to Scotland. We must ensure that we protect and manage them wisely. To achieve this the machinery of Government should be organised effectively and be on a basis that can best take account of Scottish conditions. I consider that the establishment of a single body with responsibility for the natural heritage in Scotland is the right approach. A single agency could take a more comprehensive view of the many issues presently facing us and help to secure our natural heritage, resources and countryside for the benefit of future generations. The experience and expertise of the existing agencies will complement each other in this task, giving an integrated approach to conservation and countryside matters in Scotland.
I propose to create such an agency in two stages. First, as my right hon. Friend has announced, legislation will he brought before the House at the earliest opportunity to establish a separate Nature Conservancy Council in Scotland. The Government will ensure that the new Scottish body is fully equipped to continue to carry out its present duties towards nature conservation. I would then bring forward a Scottish Bill to merge the proposed Scottish Nature Conservancy Council with the Countryside Commission for Scotland to create a single natural heritage body. I would appoint its members and it would report directly to me. The new body will have full executive responsibility for its work in Scotland and be sponsored by my Department. Our proposals represent a significant change from present arrangements. They will result in substantial improvements in the effectiveness, accountability and, most important of all, in the sensitivity of administration in the vital task of conserving and managing Scotland's natural heritage.
I am publishing a consultation paper inviting views on the principles of these proposals. Copies are being placed in the Library. I hope that there will be a large and positive response.