To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Parliamentary Ombudsman cases against Natural England and its predecessors have been upheld in each of the last three years. (101193)

[holding answer 20 November 2006]: There have been no complaints in relation to Natural England. Of the three founding bodies one complaint of maladministration against the Rural Development Services was upheld in 2003-04 and one partly upheld in 2005-06; one complaint against the Countryside Agency was upheld in 2005-06; one complaint against English Nature was partially upheld in 2005-06.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many answers given by Natural England and its predecessors to constituents of the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight regarding questions on the reconstruction of the A3055 Undercliff Drive have subsequently been retracted; on what dates those retractions were made; and if he will publish the questions with the retracted and corrected answers. (101194)

[holding answer 20 November 2006]: English Nature, now Natural England, has had lengthy correspondence and meetings with a number of constituents over a period of time on this case. Natural England has listened carefully and provided a large amount of information in response to requests. At no time has Natural England’s view of the science and evidence changed. By working with the local authority, Natural England is confident that the potentially damaging impacts of the scheme can be overcome by appropriate mitigation. The Countryside Agency lodged no objections on landscape grounds although some concerns were raised.