Latham reform blow

Hopes that the Government would rush to implement legislation suggested by the Latham Report were dashed this week when it was learnt that Environment Minister Tony Baldry has made no attempt to reserve a suitable slot in the next legislative timetable. This means that if legislation is considered appropriate by both Sir Michael and the the Government, it cannot be on the statute book before summer 1996.

The news broke in a reply from Tony Baldry to Patrick Nicholls, MP, who has been pressing him on the legislative timetable. Nicholls, the NSCC Parliamentary adviser, a vice-chairman of the Tory Party, and CJ's political columnist, was told that there is no provisional slot in the legislative timetable before the Queen's Speech for the 1995-96 session of Parliament.

Said Baldry: 'This is because pressures on Parliamentary time mean that a pre-booking will only be considered on a very exceptional basis and when a firm outline of the intended measure can be provided. With the best will in the world we cannot argue any such case until we have received and evaluated Sir Michael's conclusions and recommendations and discussed them with other parties.'

However, Baldry assured Nicholls that this would not mean the Government intended sitting on its hands. 'Doubtless there will be other recommendations aimed at the industry and Government that we will be able to get on with much more quickly.'

Ron Davies, director general of NSCC, commented: '1996 is not really so long in Parliamentary terms. The important thing is that they do not recant on their original commitments and are still willing to legislate if it is recommended.'

Rudi Klein, a spokesman for the SEC Group, said he was not 'over suprised. I think they'll want to take stock for a while. As long as the Government is in earnest - and I know they are - that's the main thing.'

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