HC Deb 24 October 1994 vol 248 cc405-6W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria will be used in the appointment of the head of the environment agency.

Mr. Atkins

In appointing the chairman and other members of the environment agency, my right hon. Friend will have regard to the desirability of appointing persons who have experience of, and have shown capacity in, some matter relevant to the functions of the agency.

Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will indicate the time frame he intends to adopt in directing existing waste regulation authorities to submit schemes for the transfer of property, rights and liabilities to the environment agency, as required under paragraph 3(3)(a) and (b) of the Environment Agencies Bill.

Mr. Atkins

Timing will depend upon passage of the necessary legislation. If this is enacted by the summer of 1995, it is the Government's intention to invite authorities shortly thereafter to submit transfer schemes and for the Secretary of State to complete the approval of schemes in time for the agency to be vested on 1 April 1996.