§ Mr. Dalyellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has been made with plans to establish seven marine nature reserves as designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. WaldegraveProgress on each of the seven sites identified by the Nature Conservancy Council for possible designation as marine nature reserves is as follows
(i) Isles of Scilly.Following adverse criticism from the Isles of Scilly sea fisheries committee of the original proposals, the Nature Conservancy Council decided to link them with action on the overall Isles of Scilly comprehensive land use and community development project sponsored by the Duchy of Cornwall and the council of the Isles of Scilly.(ii) Lundy.The original proposals having been rejected by the Devon sea fisheries committee in October 1984, the Nature Conservancy Council is currently considering what alternative approach is feasible.(iii) Skomer.Non-statutory consultation with interested bodies is at present in progress on the Nature Conservancy Council's proposals.(iv) Menai Strait.Preparatory work prior to the start of non-statutory consultation is virtually complete.(v) Bardsey and Western Lleyn.Preparatory work is in progress.(vi) St. Abbs.Preparatory work is in progress.(vii) Loch Sween.Preparatory work is in progress.I am concerned about the problems over making progress and am considering what more might be done.