Lord CHELWOODasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many Sites or Areas of Special Scientific Interest there are in the United Kingdom and how many Nature Reserves privately managed by agreement with the Nature Conservancy Council or the Nature Reserves Committee in Northern Ireland; what area they cover, and how many owners have applied for 2142WA exemption from capital transfer tax under the 1976 Finance Act and with what results.
§ Lord BELLWINThe information requested by the noble Lord is as follows:
1. Great Britain—There are approximately 3,750 Sites of Special Scientific Interest covering a total area of some 1,160,000 hectares. 114 Nature Reserves covering an area of 66,633 hectares are privately managed by agreement with the Nature Conservancy Council. Seven owners have applied for CTT exemption for 10 areas of land of Special Scientific Interest. Exemption has been completed in respect of three areas, the other cases are still under consideration.
2. Northern Ireland—There are 40 Areas of Scientific Interest covering 78,535 hectares. One Nature Reserve of 283 hectares is privately managed by agreement with the Nature Reserves Committee. No owners have applied for exemption from Capital Transfer Tax.