§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what discussions he has had with organisations about the World Wide Fund for Nature's proposals for an oceans statute. [150983]
§ Mr. MeacherI understand that the WWF, in discussions in the Working Group of the Review of Marine Nature Conservation, have put forward proposals on the need for further legislation to protect the marine environment. This Working Group was established by the Government to review the options for improving the protection available for the marine environment. An interim report is due to be presented to Ministers soon. This will set out a range of options on possible ways forward and highlight where strategic decisions may be necessary.