HC Deb 30 January 1996 vol 270 cc770-1
11. Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received regarding new measures for butterfly and moth conservation. [10378]

Mr. Clappison

I shall be glad to hear of the hon. Gentleman's support for the biodiversity action plan, which has been widely welcomed and is being copied by others. It contains, among other things, plans for butterfly and moth conservation.

Mr. Flynn

Is the Minister aware that the priority species, the marsh fritillary, has declined by 62 per cent. in recent years, and that there are threats to four more of its habitats from opencast mining? Will he give an undertaking that the Government appreciate that the marsh fritillary and other butterflies are prime indicators of biodiversity, and will he give an assurance that the Government will protect that delicate and most beautiful living jewel of nature?

Mr. Clappison

The marsh fritillary is one of the species that will benefit from a costed action plan under our biodiversity plans. Our plans will address the points made by the hon. Gentleman. I know that he takes a close personal interest in the subject, particularly in moths such as the dingy mocha. I am sure that all the matters to which he referred can be taken into account.

Mr. Barry Field

Will my hon. Friend commend to the House the campaign that has been waged on behalf of the Granville fritillary, a butterfly that is found only on the Isle of Wight? Does he agree that urgent action is necessary given the number of endangered Opposition Members with moth-eaten policies?

Mr. Clappison

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Isle of Wight produces some remarkable species. Unfortunately, our action plans cannot deal with the problem of the endangered species on Labour's Front Bench—those who practice what they preach.

Mr. Matthew Taylor

May I take it from the Minister's comments that the Government are to adopt the biodiversity action plan and implement its recommendations? They have not publicly said that they will.

Mr. Clappison

Our response to the biodiversity action plan will be made very quickly, but the hon. Gentleman should know about the widespread acclaim that our plans have received and the important initiative that we have taken to promote biodiversity in this country and in the rest of the world.