HL Deb 26 June 1980 vol 410 cc1861-2WA
Lord MELCHETT

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What ecological changes have occurred to the Cors Fochno site since it was listed on 6th September 1973 as being of international importance under the RAM SAR Convention, and whether they will confirm that part of the site has been drained since it was listed.

Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTON

There have been some changes due to human interference in the Cors Fochno site since it was listed in 1973, arising mainly from accidental fires, and agricultural reclamation on the periphery of the site. The extent of the ecological change resulting from these incidents has not yet been fully assessed.

It is confirmed that a very small part of the site was affected by drainage work in 1979. In view of the international importance of the site, my right honourable friend the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food declined to grant-aid this project after consultation with the Nature Conservancy Council.