§ Mr. Lyellasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that sufficient safeguards exist to protect sites of special scientific interest from damage or destruction; and, if not, what further steps he proposes to take.
§ Mr. MonroMy right hon. Friend is aware of the widespread concern that has been expressed about the damage that many areas of special scientific interest have suffered. To ensure that the value of these areas is more widely appreciated, the Government propose in the Wildlife and Countryside Bill, which will shortly be before the House, to place a statutory requirement with the Nature Conservancey Council to inform all owners and occupiers of such sites of the special features which their land possesses and of operations which, if carried out, might damage those special features.
45WAdditionally, my right hon. Friend intends to provide for a very small system of controls to be available on a small number of particularly vulnerable and important sites, and, after full consultation with all interested parties, and following the approval of Parliament, to publish a code of practice which will incorporate guidance on the management of all areas of special scientific interest and encourage owners to seek advice from the Nature Conservancy Council before undertaking any activities which might be detrimental to the features which have justified the notification.