Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if, in view of the imminence of the summer holiday period, he will extend the period for the submission of objections to the proposed Strangford lough (part III) area of special scientific interest beyond the present proposed date of 22 August.
§ Mr. NeedhamNotification of the declaration of Strangford lough (part III) area of special scientific interest was issued on 21 April 1989. As required by article 24 of the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 the notification stated the period within which representations and objections could be made. It is not possible under the provisions of the order to extend the period beyond 22 August since this was the closing date stipulated in the notification.
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the largest area of special scientific interest by area identified so far in Northern Ireland; and how many landowners there are within this area of special scientific interest.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe largest area of special scientific interest (ASSI) so far declared is Strangford lough (parts I, II and III) with a total area of 4,108 hectares. There are some 300 landowners and occupiers.