Q&A WRITTEN REPLIES

NORTH SEA: A programme to clean up the North Sea - one of the world's dirtiest - was proposed by John Gummer, Secretary of State for the Environment, last night. It called for an end to over-fishing and measures to protect wildlife, and improved enforcement of international rules against pollution from shipping. The plan forms Britain's agenda at the Fourth North Sea Conference in Denmark next month.

nBUSINESS TODAY - Commons: backbench debates; Environment questions; debates initiated by Labour on "further erosion of rail services due to privatisation" and "costs to the country of privatising the nuclear power industry". Lords: debates on marine nature reserves and impact of single issue groups; Carers (Recognition and Services) Bill, Second Reading.

debate on decision to phase out Educational Low-Priced Books Scheme.