§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if the European bats agreement is now binding on local planning authorities in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettIt is hoped that the agreement on the conservation of bats in Europe, which was signed by the United Kingdom earlier this month, will come into force next year. The agreement will be binding, on the national Governments who are parties to it and not on local authorities. The United Kingdom already meets its 159W potential obligations through the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which apply where relevant to local authorities.