Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

This group of amendments is another example of the fact that this clause is not drafted satisfactorily. Certainly, we on these Benches have considerable concerns over the phrase ““promoting nature conservation and protecting biodiversity”” in Clause 2(1)(a) The noble Baroness, Lady Byford, said that they were not the same thing. I do not believe that they are. The Minister no doubt has a definition of each. I recall that, on the previous Committee day, we were discussing the parallels between Natural England and the JNCC in terms of sustainable development and those duties. The Minister said that they do not have exactly the same duties and, therefore, the same words need not apply to each. Our amendment is designed to focus the duty of Natural England more accurately on biodiversity. Although the Minister may have a satisfactory definition for it, ““nature conservation”” is a fairly misunderstood and sloppy term compared with the wording suggested in our amendment.