§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how he plans to consult the public about the third tranche of candidate special areas of conservation in accordance with the EC habitats and species directive; [1195]
(2) if the third tranche of sites will include candidate special areas of conservation for the great crested newt, triturus cristatus. [1196]
§ Mr. ClappisonA third tranche of candidate special areas of conservation was forwarded to the European Commission on 14 October 1996. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment on Wednesday 16 October 1996,Official Report, columns 1073–74. A second public consultation on possible special areas of conservation is planned to commence shortly—this will include possible sites for the great crested newt. The House will be informed and details will be placed in the Library in due course.