§ Jackie BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to provide a statutory framework for the UK biodiversity action plans. [120210]
§ Mr. MullinThe Biodiversity Action Plan is part of the Government's response to the Convention on Biological Diversity which, as an international treaty, does not require national legislation to give effect to it. Article VI of the Convention specifically requires the preparation of a national strategy. However, the Government are reviewing the need for a statutory basis for the Plan process in the light of representations they have received.
They would in any case wish to avoid breaking down the current highly successful delivery partnerships of statutory, business and voluntary sectors.