asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will state, as a percentage, the approximate time the Minister of State in his Department spends on the following: sports and active recreation, water and sewerage, countryside affairs, environmental pollution—including wastes—minerals, the Property Services Agency and the British Waterways Board.

It is not possible to quantify my timetable in this way, as the attention needed for my various responsibilities continually varies. The hon. Member can be assured that all the questions requiring attention receive the amount of time needed to deal adequately with them.