HL Deb 30 April 1981 vol 419 cc1350-1WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will say why Government Ministers from the Department of the Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food recently visited West Sedgemoor, an important area for wildlife on the Somerset Levels, and what conclusions were reached as a result of the visit.

Earl Ferrers

Where applications for capital grant present difficulties over reconciling agricultural and nature conservation interests, it is normal procedure to seek the views of Ministers both in the Ministry of Agriculture and in the Department of the Environment. If appropriate, a visit to the site is made. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Wiggin) recently visited West Sedgemoor, which we recognise is an area of wildlife importance, for this purpose. My honourable friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Monro) expects to make a visit for the same purpose within the next few days. No decision has yet been made on the case in question, but it is not our policy to disclose details of individual cases.