§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on progress following the consultation on the document "Improving Scotland's Environment—The Way Forward".
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 25 October 1993]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Kincardine and Deeside (Mr. Kynoch) on 25 February at column 722.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list those organisations who have submitted comments on the proposals contained in the document "Improving Scotland's Environment—The Way Forward"; if he will place the representations in the Library; and how many of the comments received have been favourable and how many have been adverse.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 25 October 1993]: Altogether 159 organisations responded. Copies of the responses which we were not asked to treat as confidential have been placed in the Library. While local authorities 630W and river purification boards did not, in general, support our proposals, most other respondents, particularly those from industry, were broadly in favour.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set aside the proposals contained in the document "Improving Scotland's Environment—The Way Forward" until after the proposed reform of local government in Scotland has been completed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 25 October 1993]: No. Our proposals for the agency are fully consistent with the forthcoming reorganisation of local government.