§ 11.16 a.m.
§ Lord BEAUMONT of WHITLEYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they propose to celebrate European Wetlands Year by taking over Seal Sands, Teesside, for port development.
§ The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of the ENVIRONMENT (Baroness Birk)My Lords, no. We have celebrated European Wetlands Year by ratifying the Ramsar Convention and have so far designated 13 sites.
§ Lord BEAUMONT of WHITLEYMy Lords, while thanking the noble Baroness for that part of the Answer to my Question, may I ask what will happen to Seal Sands, Teesside? Is she aware that this is a site of the greatest international scientific importance, that it is an important staging post for migratory birds and that it would be irreplaceable if destroyed?
§ Baroness BIRKMy Lords, I am aware of the special scientific interest of the site. In the Teesside structure plan, the Secretary of State has proposed that Seal Sands be made available for port development. I must point out to the noble Lord that no final decision has yet been taken and all objections to the proposed Amendments will be fully considered 1304 before the Secretary of State makes a decision.
§ Lord SHINWELLMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that we are grateful for the interest that she has shown in this matter, following the submission made by the Durham County Conservation Trust? Is she also aware that there is constant spoliation taking place on the coastline of Durham by the National Coal Board and other organisations? All the remaining amenities are gradually being destroyed. Would she give these matters her attention?
§ Baroness BIRKMy Lords, not only am I aware of them, but the Secretary of State and the Government are aware of these problems. It is always a question of balancing the environment with the needs of industry and development in that area. I am sure my noble friend is well aware of that side of the problem as well.