§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to hold further public consultation on the future of English Nature and the Countryside Commission for England.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe public consultation which has already taken place produced well over 300 replies, which have been taken fully into account by the study group considering the possible merger of the Countryside Commission and English Nature. There are no plans at present for a further round of consultation.
§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the final report of the study group on the future of English Nature and the Countryside Commission for England will be published; and if he will also publish the evidence submitted.
§ Mr. AtkinsMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State will wish to consider the issue of the report further once he has made up his mind on the results of the study. Copies of responses to the consultation will be made available in the usual way when a decision is announced.
§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the study group on the future of English Nature and the Countryside Commission for England has completed its report; and when he expects to make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsYes. My right hon. Friend will make a statement when he has had an opportunity to draw his own conclusions from the study.
§ Mr. Austin-WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the London Ecology Committee in relation to the study group on the future of English Nature and the Countryside Commission for England, and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe detailed submission from the London Ecology Committee was one of well over 300 responses received to the public consultation. All the views expressed have been taken fully into account by the study group.