§ Mr. Nicholas BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will support the implementation of the flora, fauna and habitat directive in order to protect threatened lowland heaths in Great Britain.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe draft directive proposed by the European Commission is unacceptable to all member states of the community. In Great Britain the statutory procedures imposed following designation as a site of special scientific interest under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) ensure that the conservation interest of the important areas of this type of habitat is protected from potentially damaging operations and is taken fully into account in all land use decisions.