§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the timetable for establishing a UK environment agency; how many staff will it employ and at what cost; and if he will make a statement. [41520]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe Government are not intending to establish a UK environment agency. However, the Environment Agency for England and Wales was established on 8 August and is planning to take over the functions of Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution, the National Rivers Authority and the local waste regulation authorities on 1 April 1996. Approximately 9,000 staff will be transferred to the Environment Agency from the predecessor bodies. Staffing costs will be met out of the agency's provision which will be determined in the light of the Government's decisions on public expenditure, to be announced by the Chancellor later this month.