HC Deb 09 December 1996 vol 287 cc43-4W
Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to reintroduce fish species into habitats from which they have disappeared because of industrial and farming pollution. [7495]

Mr. Clappison

The Environment Agency identifies deficiencies in fish stocks through routine fishery surveys. Where the cause of such deficiencies is water pollution, the agency considers restocking as one of the options for restoring fisheries once the pollution has been remedied. In many cases, fish will recolonise naturally. More generally, the species recovery programme, which contributes to the UK biodiversity action plan, is concerned with the reintroduction of species of flora and fauna to traditional habitats.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to reintroduce mammal species into traditional habitats in which they no longer occur. [7496]

Mr. Clappison

The species recovery programme—SRP—initiated in 1991 is a high priority for countryside agencies and makes an important contribution to the UK biodiversity action plan. The programme seeks to reintroduce species of flora and fauna to traditional habitats in which they no longer occur.

In addition to established SRPs, work is being advanced for the reintroduction of the dormouse, red squirrel and the otter. These measures accord with objectives outlined in the Government-endorsed UK steering group report on biodiversity, which sets out action plans for mammals and includes objectives and targets for the reintroduction of some mammals to areas where they have been lost.