---

Environmental Noise (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2009

My Lords, I mentioned earlier that I am not in a position to speak on behalf of all departments. I recognise that Defra has had a difficulty with this issue and that we have communicated with the committee and indicated our approach to it. I am not in a position to suggest that the ambulatory approach is inappropriate in all circumstances. In fact, given the nature of European directives and the absolute necessity of keeping up to date with them, it is entirely appropriate that a government department may use this approach from time to time. I am giving assurances on how limited those opportunities are bound to be.