§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the aims and objectives of the Nature Conservancy Council's overview of special protection areas to be designated under the European Council directive on the conservation of wild birds; and when he expects the review to be completed.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe NCC was asked by environment departments to produce an overview setting out the requirements for the British series of special protection areas to ensure the conservation, survival and reproduction of species listed in annex 1 of the EC birds directive throughout their natural range in Great Britain; the safeguard of important breeding, moulting, wintering and nesting sites of migratory birds not listed on annex 1; particular attention being paid to wetlands and especially those of international importance.
The draft overview was received at the beginning of November 1989.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the sites where consultation with interested parties has been completed and which are awaiting designation under European Council directive 79/409 on the conservation of wild birds.
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: None. The Scottish Development Department has consultations in hand on 12 possible sites for which the Nature Conservancy Council has submitted a detailed case.