Member

It is most appropriate for Natural England, in individual EDPs and in relation to individual conservation measures, to decide whether it is best to deliver conservation measures themselves or through procuring services from external providers. For the reasons given just now, the Government cannot support the noble Earl’s Amendments 316 and 318 and argue that it is unnecessary either to allow Natural England to provide loans to third parties or to pass money to them. Where Natural England proposes to procure services from the private market to deliver conservation measures, I can assure noble Lords that they already have sufficient powers to do so. With those explanations in mind, I hope that the noble Earl will not move his amendments.