§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what estimate he has made of the extent of trade within the UK of limestone pavement; what amount is traded with other European Union countries; and if the Government will ban trade in limestone pavements. [92798]
§ Mr. MealeThe Limestone Pavement Biodiversity Action Plan Working Group, chaired by the Countryside Agency, has commissioned research into the extent and nature of trade in waterworn limestone. In the light of the report the Group will be advising Ministers whether a ban on trade is feasible.
In the meantime the Department fully supports the activities of the Limestone Pavement Action Group in seeking to discourage the sale and purchase of waterworn limestone.
§ Mr. BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what progress has been made towards completing the Limestone Pavement Order process under section 34 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for England, Scotland and Wales; and when the process is expected to be completed. [92796]
§ Mr. MealeThe Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority recently made seven further Limestone Pavement Orders (LPO), bringing the total in England to 92, and proposes to make a further seven in 1999. It is, therefore expected that all pavements in England will be protected under section 34 by the end of this year.
Scottish Natural Heritage will be considering making use of this provision. Information about important localities in Wales is being passed to local authorities. Several local authorities are considering making LPOs under section 34.
The making of LPOs in Scotland and Wales is a matter for the authorities there.