§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what new proposals he has to improve the habitats of butterflies, bats and toads. [25682]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe biodiversity steering group, chaired by my Department, with members drawn from all sectors, published its findings on 13 December 1995. "Biodiversity: The UK Steering Group Report", identifies some 25 butterfly, 15 bat and two toad species whose populations should be monitored where possible. The report includes costed action plans for seven of the butterflies, three of the bats and one of the toads and recommends that costed action plans for a further three butterflies, one bat and one toad be produced within three years.
In addition, many of the species concerned would benefit from the proposals for costed action plans for 14 key habitats included in the report and the recommendation that costed plans for a further 24 key habitats be produced within three years.
The Government intend to publish their response to the report shortly.