§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the implications for Sites of Special Scientific Interest of his access to the countryside proposals. [76275]
§ Mr. MeacherWe do not expect a new statutory right of access on foot to have a significant impact generally on the scientific interest of the land concerned. Provision will be made to close land, or otherwise restrict access, on nature conservation grounds, where this is justified. Such land may include areas notified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.