Conservation

HC Deb 01 March 1990 vol 168 cc305-6W

24. Mr. Kilfedder

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to conserve the environment.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Northern Ireland has an up-to-date legislative code for nature and countryside conservation.

There are 45 national reserves, nine areas of outstanding natural beauty and 24 areas of special scientific interest. We are taking steps to ensure that further designations will be made over the next few years.

The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland has embarked on the first stages of the designation of Northern Ireland's first marine nature reserve at Strangford lough.

The Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside provides valuable advice on all these aspects. The Department of the Environment encourages conservation by means of grant aid to voluntary bodies and others and by the provision of educational literature and information in particular at its seven country parks and at countryside centres.

The listing and scheduling procedures for historic buildings and monuments are continuing, and 7,612 buildings have been listed. One hundred and sixty-seven historic monuments have been taken into state care while 1,000 have been scheduled.

The Department of the Environment exercises control over water and industrial air pollution in the Province and has responsibility for oversight of the environmental health functions of the district councils. In general, water and air quality are of a high standard in Northern Ireland.

The Department of the Environment, as sole planning authority for Northern Ireland, is aware of its responsibilities in the area of conservation. This is reflected in its rural planning policy, in the preparation of development plans and in its consideration of planning applications which involve proposals that would affect the environment.

The Department of Agriculture also has a significant influence on environmental conservation in the countryside. Among other things, it carries out a wide range of environmental research work and gives conservation advice to farmers. It provides positive incentives to farmers to engage in environmentally friendly farming practices under the environmentally sensitive areas scheme. Two such areas have been designated and consideration is being given to further designations.