HL Deb 13 May 1983 vol 442 cc734-6WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they agree that the current drainage work on King's Sedgemoor and Curry Moor on the Somerset Levels, following the recent destruction of the wildlife interest by the drainage of part of Tealham and Tadham Moor, demonstrates clearly that the "voluntary principle" on which the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 was based is totally ineffectual.

Lord Skelmersdale

The provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to which the noble Lord alludes apply only to notified SSSIs and to proposed SSSIs where the Nature Conservancy Council has given notice of its intention to notify to owners and occupiers. None of the sites mentioned falls into either category.

The "voluntary principle" in nature conservation matters, so far from being ineffectual, is the only realistic and effective approach. It would be impracticable to muster the army of bureaucrats that would be needed to undertake the detailed supervision of agricultural operations, including such matters as the number of sheep permitted to graze in particular areas, that would be needed to impose countrywide restrictions through planning machinery. Even if this negative control could be achieved, it would alienate the rural community and forfeit the active co-operation that is essential if the landscape and wildlife habitats of Britain, which were created by man's actions, are to be maintained. The irresponsible threat of replacing voluntary co-operation by compulsion—even though it could not be implemented—could well make some farmers feel obliged in their children's interests to destroy natural features of their land while the opportunity remained open to them, even if they had had no previous intention of doing so. Compulsion, or even the threat of compulsion, would do irreparable harm to our natural heritage.

Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Lower Bure Internal Drainage Board (IDB) in Somerset has received a copy of the guidelines issued to statutory undertakers explaining the procedures to be followed under Section 48 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and whether they agree that the IDB's refusal to co-operate with the Nature Conservancy Council over the Board's activities on Tealham and Tadham Moor on the Somerset Levels means that is in breach of Section 48 of the Act.

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Ferrers)

Copies of the Guidance Notes on the procedures to be followed under Section 22 of the Water Act 1973 as amended by Section 48 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 were sent to all Internal Drainage Boards, including the Lower Bure IDB, on 9th November 1982.

It is for the IDB who are elected by their drainage ratepayers to carry out their responsibilities under the legislation with the assistance of these Guidance Notes.