§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many sites of special scientific interest have been renotified using the procedures contained in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; on how many of these sites owners or occupiers have carried out a potentially damaging operation without informing the National Conservancy Council; and if the National Conservancy Council has initiated proceedings against any of these owners or occupiers.
§ Mr. WaldegraveI am advised by the Nature Conservancy Council that, as at 1 May, 881 sites of special scientific interest had been renotified under section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. I understand that potentially damaging operations have been carried out on 17 of these sites without the NCC's knowledge. NCC are currently considering whether to institute proceedings against owners or occupiers: no such action has been taken to date.