§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware that a farmer is draining approximately 40 acres of land on Tadham and Tealham Moors in Somerset, in an area that is recognised by the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) as being of sufficient scientific importance to be notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest; whether they will use the procedures available under Section 29 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act to prevent further destruction of the scientific interest of the whole of this area; and whether they will urge the NCC to notify as SSSIs the remaining areas of the Somerset Levels that are of scientific importance as quickly as possible.
§ Lord SkelmersdaleI understand that works on a drainage scheme affecting 70 acres of land on Tadham and Tealham Moor are nearing completion. The Nature Conservancy Council has applied for a nature conservation order to be made under Section 29 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. This request is currently being considered.
It is for the NCC to decide its priorities in the light of the duty Parliament has placed upon it to identify and notify sites of special scientific interest.