To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is seeking any changes in the method adopted by the European Commission for investigating complaints about infractions of European Community environment directives.

We have for some time been pressing the Commission to take a more focused and rigorous approach towards ensuring the effective implementation of Community environment legislation in all member states. I am pleased that the Commission is increasing its efforts in this area, and I welcome recent initiatives to improve public awareness of member states' performance in meeting their legal obligations.