HL Deb 08 April 1986 vol 473 cc188-9WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that no further drainage work is carried out on the Duich Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest on Islay until the current doubt about the conformity of operations already carried out with the plan approved by the Scottish Office is resolved as a result of any new independent survey of the site carried out by Argyll and Bute District Council; and

Whether they are aware that the ditch which Scottish Malt Distillers now admit they dug illegally to drain part of the Duich Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest on Islay, is considered by the local councillor for the area to be doing "irreparable damage" to the Moss, and whether they are satisfied that their international responsibilities for this site are best discharged by simply leaving matters to be resolved by Argyll and Bute District Council.

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

The Government are aware of the local councillor's concern. The monitoring of development and the enforcement of the conditions attached to the planning permission are matters for the district council. Scottish Malt Distillers Limited have however undertaken not to carry out any operations on Duich Moss while the Government are considering the formal letter from the European Commission concerning the directive on the conservation of wild birds.

Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will provide additional resources to Argyll and Bute District Council to enable them to carry out an accurate and comprehensive survey of the Duich Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest, given that this will now have to be carried out as a result of the Secretary of State for Scotland's decision to grant planning permission to Scottish Malt Distillers to take peat from part of this site, subject to conditions laid down by the Secretary of State.

Lord Gray of Contin

No. If the district council decide that it is necessary to carry out a survey it will be for the council to make the arrangements.

Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect the proposed survey of the Duich Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest by Argyll and Bute District Council to be completed.

Lord Gray of Contin

This is a matter for the district council.