Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

moved Amendment No. 274:"Page 11, line 25, leave out ““the desirability of contributing”” and insert ““their commitment””" The noble Baroness said: The amendment is grouped with Amendment No. 275, tabled by the noble Baroness, Lady Miller of Chilthorne Domer, so I shall speak to Amendment No. 274 and then listen to what she has to say on her amendment. My amendment would make a small but, we believe, important alteration to the functions of the UK conservation bodies and to the JNCC. The Bill states that, ““in discharging their functions””, UK conservation bodies must have,"““regard to . . . the desirability of contributing to sustainable development””." That is a very loose incentive; it is slightly casual. Our amendment would ensure that the conservation bodies have to have regard to their commitment to sustainable development. That would be in line with the promises made by Her Majesty’s Government about sustainable development and it would resonate with the EU Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. I am sure that the Committee is aware of the directive, which was adopted back in 1992. It states that,"““natural habitats are continuing to deteriorate and . . . it is necessary to take measures . . . in order to conserve them””." If the Government are committed to contributing to sustainable development, they must demonstrate that in the clearest terms. I beg to move.