Point of Order

– in the House of Commons am 3:33 pm ar 19 Mehefin 1991.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Elliot Morley Elliot Morley , Glanford and Scunthorpe 3:33, 19 Mehefin 1991

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I seek your guidance on a procedural matter relating to amendments to the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Bill? I served on the Standing Committee considering the Environmental Protection Bill 1990, which led to the formation of the three countryside agencies and Scotttish Natural Heritage. During the Bill's passage, Committee members were assured that no changes would be made to sites of special scientific interest on a national basis, and that such changes would not be included in a Scottish Bill either, as they were a national issue.

On 6 June, contrary to those assurances, the Government accepted an amendment in the other place allowing a right of appeal in relation to SSIs, in Scotland only. Should not the Secretary of State make a statement about that? Is the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Bill the right legislation in which to frame such amendments, bearing in mind that the Government have pandered to vested landowning interests contrary to the assurances given in Committee?

Photo of Mr Bernard Weatherill Mr Bernard Weatherill , Croydon North East

I do not think that that is a matter for me. It is very much a matter for the Government, but if the Bill is now in the other place, it will return to the Commons and the Government will have to explain the amendment. The hon. Gentleman will then have the opportunity to put his point.