§ Mr. MartlewTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the estimated cost of merging English Nature and the Countryside Commission; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsA decision whether to merge English Nature and the Countryside Commission has yet to be taken. The likely costs and benefits of merger are being considered as part of the current study into this matter. Conclusions have not yet been reached.
§ Mr. Chris SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the statement and briefing published by the Countryside Commission on 28 February concerning the future of English Nature and the Countryside Commission was authorised by his Department.
§ Mr. AtkinsNo.