To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with (a) the senior management and (b) the trades union representatives of the Environment Agency on the implications for (i) pollution control and (ii) employment of field inspectors of the proposed changes in the pollution monitoring and control regime. (145850)

The change from area office permitting to four national permitting centres is an operational matter for the Environment Agency. As such, it is its responsibility and the Secretary of State has had no discussions with either the senior management or trade union representatives about it.

The Agency understands that the scale of change can give rise to uncertainty for staff and has ensured that everyone in the organisation is aware of the programme of change. The Agency has full and regular consultation with the trade unions on the changes and potential impact on their members. The implementation of business changes which impact on staff is carried out in accordance with a set of principles agreed with the trade unions.