HL Deb 06 January 2004 vol 657 cc43-4WA
Lord Donoughue

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which organisations were named consultees on the consultation on the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2003; and which of these consultees represent the interests of (a) private rural landowners; and (b) country sports. [HL541]

Lord Whitty

One hundred and twenty organisations were initially consulted on the draft amendment regulations. They are named in Annex C of the consultation document published on 6 August 2003. On 23 November 2003, my department wrote to 11 further organisations to invite their comments, in order to ensure that their interests, including those which my noble friend identifies, are taken into account. No decisions will be taken until after they have had an opportunity to comment. The organisations were:

  • Association of National Parks
  • Countryside Alliance
    • WA 44
  • Buglife
  • Butterfly Conservation
  • Countryside Agency
  • CPRE
  • Forestry Commission
  • Magistrate's Association
  • National Farmers Union
  • Ornamental and Aquatic Trade Association
  • UK Guild of Taxidermists

The British Association of Shooting and Conservation, the Country Land and Business Association, Lord Crewe's Charity, the Moorland Association and the National Gamekeepers' Organisation have already responded to the consultation, for which we are grateful.

Lord Donoughue

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has any plans to consult with organisations representing private rural land managers concerning the consultation on the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2003.[HL542]

Lord Whitty

The department is consulting with a number of organisations representing private rural land managers and has already received comments on the draft regulations from five.

Lord Donoughue

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs intends to announce the outcome of the consultation on the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2003.[HL543]

Lord Whitty

Subject to consideration of consultation responses, we expect amendment regulations to be laid in Parliament by July 2004.