§ '(1) If the appropriate nature conservation body is of the opinion that a marine area is a marine site of special interest by reason of any of its flora, fauna, or geological or physiographical features, it may notify that fact.
§ (2) The confirming authority must, after consulting the appropriate nature conservation body, publish criteria in accordance with which the bodies are to determine whether a marine area is a marine site of special interest for the purposes of this Act.
§ (3) The confirming authority may, after consulting the appropriate nature conservation bodies, revise criteria published under subsection (2).
§ (4) If a body decides to make a notification under subsection (1), it must notify—
- (a) the confirming authority;
- (b) so far as reasonably practicable, each competent marine authority which exercises functions in relation to the marine area;
- (c) any other competent marine authority which in the opinion of the body should be notified;
- (d) any other person who the body is directed by the confirming authority to notify.
§ (5) The body must also publish the notification, on as many occasions as the confirming authority may direct, in—
- (a) the London Gazette;
- (b) at least one local newspaper circulating in an area near to the marine area; and
- (c) such other publications as the confirming authority may direct.
§ (6) A notification under this section has effect from the date on which it is first published in the London Gazette.'.—[Mr. Meacher.]
§ Brought up, read the First and Second time, and added to the Bill.