HL Deb 18 July 1985 vol 466 cc980-1WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will list the scientific papers and other research work that they or others have undertaken which justifies their statement that their decision to grant planning permission for the extraction of peat at Duich Moss, Islay "if undertaken with appropriate care… would not have any significant effect on the nature conservation interest of Duich Moss".

The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Gray of Contin)

I am not aware of the existence of any research specifically directed to establishing the effects of peat extraction on the nature conservation interest of Duich Moss. As I have previously informed the noble Lord, the decision of my right honourable friend the Secretary, of State for Scotland to grant planning permission for the project in question, subject to extensive conditions designed to ensure due care in extraction, was taken on the basis of the written submissions before him, none of which offered any evidence based on a specific survey of Duich Moss to support the proposition that works on the scale proposed would result in significant damage to the nature conservation interest of the Moss.

Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have received from Danish conservation organisations about their decision to allow peat to be taken from Duich Moss, Islay.

Lord Gray of Contin

Representations were received in May 1985 from the Danish section of the International Council for Bird Preservation and from the World Wildlife Fund, Denmark. Both organisations expressed concern about the effect of the extraction of peat from Duich Moss on the Greenland white-fronted geese, which roost during the winter on the Moss.