§ Mr. Fauldsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the outcome of the public inquiry held in Arundel in March 1978 into the proposal by the Southern Water Authority to undertake a drainage scheme which would affect the wetlands at Amberley Wildbrooks, West Sussex, by drastically altering both the water table and the landscape and would thus endanger the scientific value of the River Arlin's flood plain with its flocks of Bewick's swans, widgeon, teal, shovellers and other wild life; and what was decided about the Nature Conservancy Council's proposal to designate 600 acres of the area as an official site of scientific interest.
§ Mr. StrangMy right hon. Friend the Minister is considering some points made in the inspector's report and will announce his decision on the grant application by the Southern Water Authority as soon as possible. Decisions by the Nature Conservancy Council are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.