§ Lord Pearson of Rannochasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in their implementation of the Habitats Directive, any areas of land will become Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) which have not first been fully confirmed as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), as opposed to having been notified or designated as such.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (The Earl of Arran)We will only designate as Special Areas of Conservation sites on land which have been confirmed as SSSIs. We are committed to full consultations with owners, occupiers and other interested parties prior to designation.