§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the outcome of recent meetings between officials of the Scottish Office, the Nature Conservancy Council and representatives of the European Commission about the future of Duich Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest on Islay; and whether they have taken any decisions about how they intend to safeguard the future of this site, and comply with their obligations under the EC Birds Directive.
§ The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Gray of Contin)Work on Duich Moss is to be suspended for the time being and the feasibility of an alternative site on Islay, at Castlehill, is to be examined. The results of the investigation, which is expected to take most of the summer, will be reported to the European Commission and taken into account in further consideration of their complaint that in granting planning permission to extract peat from Duich Moss the Government appears to have breached the EC Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds.
§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will confirm that the materials needed to block a large ditch, which Scottish Malt Distillers Limited have agreed in writing has been illegally dug on part of Duich Moss SSSI not covered by the planning permission granted to the company by the Secretary of State for Scotland, have been at Duich Moss for at least five weeks; and whether they will say when the work on blocking the ditch to prevent further damage to Duich Moss will start.
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§ Lord Gray of ContinThis is a matter between Scottish Malt Distillers Limited and Argyll and Bute District Council which, as the planning authority, is responsible for considering appropriate action on any alleged breach of planning control.