WILDLIFE AND COUNTRYSIDE ACT, SECTION 48

HL Deb 11 June 1982 vol 431 c450WA

Lord Craigton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made towards drawing up the guidelines for the interpretation of Section 48 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and what consultations have been held with interested parties.

The Earl of Avon

The guidelines are being prepared as quickly as possible by officials of the department, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Welsh Office and it is hoped to issue the final version during the summer. Those bodies with a close interest in the provisions of Section 48, including the Nature Conservancy Council, the Countryside Commission, the National Water Council and the Association of Drainage Authorities have been consulted and their views—as well as those of bodies who have made representations to them—are being taken into consideration.