HC Deb 21 July 2000 vol 354 cc355-6W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if a quinquennial review of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee is due; and if he will make a statement. [132373]

Mr. Meacher

A review of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) will begin shortly. In accordance with standard practice, the review will begin by examining the functions and structure of JNCC before moving on, if appropriate, to look at performance issues. Detailed terms of reference are being drawn up. I expect the review to be completed by the early summer of 2001.

Queries or comments about the review may be made to Roger Pritchard, head of the European Wildlife Division in DETR at Room 907, Tollgate House, Houlton Street, Bristol, BS2 9DJ.