HC Deb 01 June 1998 vol 313 cc1-2W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what arrangements are being made to ensure that the management groups for candidate marine special areas of conservation incorporate the views of the advisory groups in developing their conservation objectives and management schemes. [42617]

Angela Eagle

The nature conservation agencies are responsible for advising relevant authorities as to the conservation objectives of such sites. Relevant authorities have the statutory responsibility for establishing management schemes. The Government consider that it a business background, and in line with our manifesto commitment, eight of these are drawn from the small business community. Two members come from the enforcement community and four have a consumer or a non-governmental organisation background.

The Deregulation Task Force had 11 members in April 1997. Of those all came from a business background except one from the voluntary sector.