HL Deb 19 May 1980 vol 409 cc721-2WA
Lord MELCHETT

asked Her Majesty's Government:

If they will list those wetlands in the United Kingdom which have been listed as being of international importance under the 'RAMSAR Convention', the dates on which the sites were listed, whether they are satisfied that the ecological characteristics of the listed sites have not materially changed since they were listed, nor are likely to change due to human interference in future, and whether they consider that new legislative safeguards to protect these sites are required.

Lord BELLWIN

The following wetlands in the United Kingdom were listed on 6th September 1973 as being of international importance under the RAMSAR Convention:

  1. Cors Fochno and Dyfi.
  2. Bridgwater Bay.
  3. Bure Marshes.
  4. Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere.
  5. Lindisfarne.
  6. Loch Druidbeg, Lock a'Machair and Loch Stilligary.
  7. Loch Leven.
  8. Loch Lomond.
  9. Lough Neagh and Lough Beg.
  10. Minsmere— Walberswick.
  11. North Norfolk Coast.
  12. Ouse Washes.
  13. Rannoch Moor.

Her Majesty's Government are satisfied that the ecological characteristics of the listed sites have not materially changed since they were listed. It is impossible to forecast whether such characteristics are likely to change due to human interference in future. However, to take what steps they can to safeguard those sites which are not already nature reserves, the Government are giving careful consideration to whether new legislation is required.