asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement about his policy towards pop festivals.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has asked Lord Melchett to undertake an urgent review of public policies on pop festivals—including "free" festivals of the type planned to be held at Watchfield later this month. Lord Melchett will head a small working group comprising the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Pop Festivals; representatives of the Festival Welfare Services Committee, the local authorities and the police; and officials of appropriate Government Departments.