To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding has been budgeted for the biodiversity elements of the Environmental Action Fund/Countdown 2010 Fund in (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11; how much funding is available for biodiversity projects under the funds run by non-governmental organisations in 2008-09; and if he will make a statement. (188725)

Natural England's budget for 2008-09 was announced on 21 February and final decisions on budget allocations for the Environmental Action Fund/Countdown 2010 have yet to be made. Figures for Natural England's budget in future years will be announced in due course.

I will ask Natural England's chief executive to write to the hon. Member when these figures have been confirmed.