§ Mr. Murphyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that current legislation sufficiently protects the underwater heritage; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI am satisfied that adequate provision for this is made in current legislation. Sections 36 and 37 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provide a framework for the establishment of marine nature reserves and their protection by appropriate byelaws. The Nature Conservancy Council has currently under consideration plans for the establishment of a number of such reserves.