Member

So, I shall speak first to government Amendments 249A, 256A, 260A, 278A and 346E. They make a series of minor legislative fixes and consequential amendments necessary for the correct operation of the legislation and support the more substantive government amendments. Government Amendment 346E puts in place a new clause that is intended to replace Clause 58. The new clause will explicitly require Natural England and the Secretary of State to have regard to the best available scientific evidence when carrying out any functions related to the preparation, revocation or amendment of an environmental delivery plan, or when the Secretary of State is considering or delivering remedial measures. They must also consider a site’s conservation objectives when they relate to environmental features included in an EDP. The noble Earl, Lord Caithness, asked about scientific evidence. I hope that helps to clarify one of his questions.