To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which Minister in his Department is responsible for monitoring his Department's compliance with its duty under section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to have regard to the purpose of conserving biological diversity in carrying out its functions; and if he will make a statement. (73942)

The Home Office has taken a number of steps to benefit biodiversity. A national Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) has been introduced across the public sector operated prisons estate, primarily an overarching document covering its designated sites, which encompass seven SSSIs, one NNR and RAMSAR site and a site within a National Park (HMP Dartmoor). There are now six individual designated sites which have their own BAPs, a further 11 locally biodiversity significant sites also have BAPs and a pilot scheme for eight inner-city/urban BAPs is being implemented. Further plans are now being incorporated that will see biodiversity management plans rolled out across the remaining public sector prison estate.

As well as a BAP network the public sector Prison Service has in place a Statement of Commitment for biodiversity and a Statement of Action for biodiversity which were signed by the director general Phil Weatley in March 2003. Also supporting this the Prison Service has set up a strategic biodiversity group which involves a "central partnership" incorporating representatives from English Nature, the Wildlife Trusts, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.

In support of this work the Prison Service has carried out biological surveys at 21 biodiversity significant sites to identify local flora and fauna for action. The service has now put in place over 43 habitat and species action plans involving over 20 separate lead partners.

In recognition of the work that has been carried out on the prison estate operated by the public sector, in 2005 the Prison Service won the Liveable City award for biodiversity. The Sustainable Development Commission has commended these examples of biodiversity good practice.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps his Department plans to take to monitor the extent to which public bodies which report to him comply, from October, with their duty to conserve biodiversity in exercising their functions, under section 40 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006. (74400)

DEFRA is working with a wide range of partners to develop guidance for public bodies to support the implementation of this duty and will involve all relevant Departments on the development of guidance.