§ Lord Amherst of Hackneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is their policy that, where a Special Area of Conservation is declared which incorporates a main navigational channel into a harbour, the Harbour Commissioners are the sole authority responsible for maintaining that channel and the safe passage of all suitable craft navigating that channel. [HL1421]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Baroness Hayman)All harbour authorities must have regard to nature conservation in the exercise of their statutory functions, which include the maintenance of safe navigation. Where a port is included in a Special Area of Conservation, designated under the Habitats Directive, the Conservation (Natural Habitats, Etc.) Regulations additionally give authorities a specific duty to exercise those functions to secure compliance with the directive. In addition, the regulations require the statutory nature conservation agencies to advise on these matters.