§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what the status of the Countryside Council for Wales will be under his proposals for the Welsh Assembly. [14190]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesThe Government's intentions are explained in its White Paper "A Voice for Wales". The Assembly will be able to review a number of non-departmental public bodies, and have the power to reduce their number further or merge them. However, the Countryside Council for Wales will not be subjected to this power in order to maintain its independence and its ability to meet the UK's European and other international obligations in nature conservation. The Assembly will, however, assume all the Secretary of State's responsibilities, including those of funding and appointment, in respect of the Council.