§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has plans to introduce measures to protect the European pearl mussel, margaritefera margaritefera.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe Nature Conservancy Council has recently recommended protection for the pearl mussel (margaritefera margaritefera) following its quinquennial review of protected animals and plants covered by schedules 5 and 8 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Secretary of State is currently considering that recommendation in the light of representations received from other interested parties, with a view to announcing his decision by the summer.