HC Deb 02 February 1993 vol 218 cc88-9W
Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement outlining the latest developments regarding the establishment of the proposed European Environment Agency; and if it is his intention to bid for the agency to be located in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Maclean

During our presidency of the EC Council of Ministers, we made strenuous efforts to overcome the blockages which have prevented the establishment of the European Environment Agency, and at the December Environment Council, 11 Council member states agreed to press the Commission to speed up preparatory work. As a first step, the Commission have called a meeting of senior officials on 9 February.

The United Kingdom has bid for the agency to be located in Cambridge.