§ Mr. Clifford ForsytheTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will consider establishing an independent environmental protection agency with policing powers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Select Committee on the Environment, in its recent report on environmental issues in Northern Ireland, recommended the establishment of such a body. I am at present examining the recommendations in this report. The Government's response to the report will take the form of a Command Paper and I would not wish to pre-empt that response at this stage.
§ Mr. Clifford ForsytheTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will publish an annual report on the environment, including an analysis of wildlife habitat loss.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Select Committee on the Environment, in its recent report on environmental issues in Northern Ireland, recommended the publication of an annual report on the environment. I am at present examining the recommendations in this report. The Government's response to the report will take the form of a Command Paper and I would not wish to pre-empt that response at this stage.