§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will reconsider his opposition to the European Community directive on fauna, flora and habitats; what steps he proposes to take or is taking to protect endangered species of fauna and flora; and if he will make a statement;
(2) whether he will make it his policy to support attendance by non-governmental organisations at meetings convened to discuss the implementation and management of the European Community directive 8149/88, when it is adopted.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe are not opposed to the principle of Community action to protect Europe's natural heritage. However the European Commission's proposal for a directive on the protection of natural and semi-natural habitats and of fauna and flora (8149/88) was unanimously rejected by member states at the Environmental Council on 24 November 1988. Instead, there was agreement that Community action could most usefully be focussed on assisting member States, as necessary, to implement fully the existing international conventions. We remain ready to discuss any sensible and practicable proposals to secure this objective.