§ Alistair BurtTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under what circumstances a court action may be brought against the Environment Agency concerning the quality of advice given by the Agency on an enquiry by a business or member of the public; and if she will make a statement. [156717]
§ Mr. MorleyI am advised that where a public body, such as the Environment Agency, has given advice to a person, that person may be able to bring some form of court action against the public body if that body has acted in some way that is improper, negligent or in breach of its statutory duties. The nature and likely merits of any such action would depend on the particular circumstances of the case. Consequently, any person thinking of taking legal action against a public body would be well advised to seek independent legal advice before doing so.