§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many times he has granted nature conservation orders for the protection of sites of special scientific interest under section 29 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; how many are still in operation; how many he has refused in Scotland since 1982; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector MonroMy right hon. Friend has made 14 nature conservation orders under section 29 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and 11 are still in force. On no occasion has he refused a request from the Nature Conservancy Council, the Nature Conservancy Council for Scotland or Scottish Natural Heritage to make such an order.