asked Her Majesty's Government:What are their criteria for imposing consistency throughout the United Kingdom in environmental and health regulations, given that the protection of wildfowl from lead poisoning applies only in England. [HL864]

It is inherent in the principle of devolution that there will not necessarily be consistency of regulation throughout the United Kingdom and that measures will not necessarily be implemented on a consistent timetable.All the devolved administrations are responsible for various matters concerning environmental protection, though in many cases the framework provided by Community law, or by other international organisations, will provide a consistency of effect and of timing between the regulations.As regards legislation and the Environmental Protection (Restriction on the Use of Lead Shot) (England) Regulations 1999 (S.I 1999/2170), the decision on whether to implement similar legislation in Wales and Scotland is a matter for the devolved authorities. The devolved authorities are currently considering the implementation of lead shot legislation.