§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the Environment Agency's proposals for the membership of its regional environment protection advisory committees. [16387]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe agency has submitted, under section 12 of the Environment Act 1995, membership schemes for its regional environment protection advisory committees in England. At the same time, it has brought the schemes to the attention of persons likely to be interested in them, who may make representations or objections about the schemes to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment by 4 March. Any representations and objections received will be taken into account before a decision is taken on whether to approve the schemes.
The agency has also submitted a scheme for its Welsh region to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.
Copies of the schemes have been placed in the Library of the House. The schemes include descriptions of bodies or persons with an interest in the agency's activities. Once schemes are approved, individual appointments are made by the agency itself after consultation.