HC Deb 22 March 1995 vol 257 cc259-60W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what advice he has sought about the effects which financial and staff reductions will have on the Countryside Council for Wales ability to implement recovery programmes or action plans for endangered specifies in Wales; and what was the result of such advice; [15453]

(2) if he will list the representations he has received from the board of the Countryside Council for Wales expressing concern at the level of funding available for the monitoring of endangered species and statutory designated sites in Wales in 1995–96. [15454]

Mr. Redwood

In meetings held on 10 January 1995 with the chairman of the Countryside Council for Wales and on 24 January 1995 with the full council, discussions took place on a variety of issues, such as how the Countryside Council for Wales can continue effectively to carry out its range of duties, including those in respect of the EC habitats and special directive, other designated sites and endangered species in Wales, in the light of its settlement for 1995–96. These discussions and all other advice received have formed the basis of the action plan that I intend to publish shortly, setting out the issues on which I want the council to concentrate in the next two years.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, if he will list those posts within the Countryside Council for Wales which will become vacant following the budgetary cuts for 1995–96; and which will be re-filled and which made redundant. [15455]

Mr. Redwood

Decisions on staffing are the responsibility of the Countryside Council for Wales. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member with the information requested. I will arrange for copies of that letter to be placed in the Library of the House.