§ Mr. Weetchasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, whether, in view of the threat to the River Orwell site of special scientific interest posed by the expansion of the port of Felixstowe, he will compensate for any loss of wetland resources.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe nature conservation implications of the Bill in its present form have been drawn to the304W attention of Parliament. Should it be enacted, the Government would in consultation with the Nature Conservancy Council wish to consider the need for and possibility of measures to mitigate any effects on wildlife.
§ Mr. Weetchasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what response he has made to the proposal made by the Nature Conservancy Council that the River Orwell site of special scientific interest be designated in the United Kingdom list of wetlands of international importance under 2.1 of the Ramsar convention; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldOwners and occupiers of land within the River Orwell SSSI have been consulted by the Nature Conservancy Council about the proposed designation of the area under the Ramsar convention. My officials are currently consulting other interested Departments. A decision on the proposed designation of the site will be made as soon as possible.