§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has for local government representation on the proposed Environment Agency serving Wales.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe Government propose that the Environment Agency should be established as an England and Wales organisation. The precise regional, and supporting committee, structure has yet to be determined; but the interests of local government in Wales will be taken fully into account when appointments come to be made.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to ensure local delivery of service by the proposed Environment Agency; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe detailed arrangements for service provision at the local level will be a matter for the Environment Agency itself to determine. However, Ministers will expect it to plan its operations so as to develop a close and responsive relationship with those whom it will regulate, the public and local communities.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to provide additional funding to local authorities to assist them to carry out surveys required by the Environment Agency by 1 April 1995.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesSome information is needed from local authorities in Wales in connection with the planned transfer of the waste regulation function to the Environment Agency. However, the Welsh Office, and the 535W Department of the Environment in England, intend to keep such requests to the absolute minimum; and no additional financial provision for local authorities is considered necessary.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it his policy to locate a regional headquarters of the proposed Environment Agency in Wales.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe precise regional structure of the Environment Agency will be a matter for its board to determine. However, Welsh Office Ministers regard it as of importance that it should have a strong regional presence in Wales.