Parliamentary Search

Proceeding contribution from Viscount Bledisloe (Crossbench) in the House of Lords on Tuesday, 24 January 2006. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL) and Debate on bill on Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill.

Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

Let us suppose one has something which will make an enormous contribution to sustainable development. It will not conserve or enhance the landscape; indeed, it may marginally—very marginally—deteriorate the landscape. Any sensible person would say that the enormous contribution it is making to sustainable development makes it infinitely well worth putting up with the minor removal of the odd stone wall. Is the Minister saying that it would be Natural England’s duty to oppose that, because its job is to conserve and enhance the landscape and it has no duty to promote, or allow the promotion of, sustainable development if it would do marginal damage to the landscape? It seems that, by the formulation the Minister and the clause are putting forward, Natural England is not allowed to balance benefits to sustainable development with minor disadvantages.

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
677 c1120 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Climate change Departmental responsibilities Finance Environment protection Functions Local government Pay Membership Public appointments Pensions Staff Non-departmental public bodies English Nature Regulation Sustainable development Rural areas Rules of procedure Countryside Agency Commission for Rural Communities Natural England
Legislation
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill 2005-06
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk