SECRETARY OF STATE FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS AND PARLIAMENT

Early day motion 614, tabled 11 February 2004 by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 26 members.

That this House notes that the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has failed to participate in any debate related to the environment since 2002; is concerned that she failed to participate in the debate on the state of the environment on Tuesday 10th February other than to vote; recognises that the Minister of State for Environment and Agri-Environment represented the Government, both opening and closing the debate thus requiring the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Nature Conservation and Fisheries to represent the Government in the debate on an area outside his portfolio on waste which took place in Westminster Hall; and looks forward to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs initiating and taking a full part in parliamentary debates on the environment in the future.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 22, Conservative 2, Plaid Cymru 2.