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Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

I thank the Minister for his reply. In shorthand his reply is, yes, we agree but not yet. I am sad that there is a long way to go in a fairly short time. With all the effort to improve the natural environment, some of the decisive factors—returning rivers to a more natural state which enhances their ability to cope with flooding and so on—will not become real opportunities until after 2009. Defra has made its own assessment of the rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters which may be at risk of failing good ecological status. Therefore, I do not need to remind the noble Lord that the figure is almost half of all rivers and about 90 per cent of estuaries and so on. There is an immense way to go. In the mean time I shall read the Minister’s reply and consider whether to return to the issue on Report. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 93 agreed to.