HC Deb 30 July 1997 vol 299 cc403-4W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what is the(a) scope and (b) time scale of the review on the Government's environmental policies on issues relevant to the Ospar Commission. [11865]

Angela Eagle

The review of the UK positions on the issues to be discussed within the Ospar Commission covers all issues relevant to conclusions to be reached by the Commission. It will be completed in time to provide guidance for the UK representatives in those negotiations.

Mr. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the advantages of lifting the United Kingdom reservations on the Ospar draft objectives relating to(a) the continuous reduction of discharges of hazardous substances to the maritime area, (b) the continuous reduction of discharges of radioactive substances to the maritime area and (c) the prohibition of the dumping of offshore oil installations in the maritime area. [11859]

Angela Eagle

UK reservations on aspects of these instruments are all covered by the review of the UK positions on the issues to be discussed within the Ospar Commission. As I told my right hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Mr. Smith) on 23 July,Official Report, column 623, I shall write to that hon. Member outlining any major changes on which we decide, and will place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House. I will also send a copy of the letter to the hon. Member for Truro and St. Austell (Mr. Taylor).

Mr. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which civil servants are dealing with the review of the Government's environmental policies on issues relevant to the Ospar commission. [11860]

Angela Eagle

All those civil servants who normally deal with the issues concerned.

Mr. Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions which other(a) Government Departments and (b) organisations his Department is consulting in the review of the Government's environmental policies on issues relevant to the Ospar commission. [11866]

Angela Eagle

The review of the UK positions on the issues to be discussed within the Ospar Commission is to provide guidance for the representatives of the UK Government in those negotiations. All Government Departments with an interest are therefore being consulted. We are also taking into account such views as have been expressed by other organisations.