§ Mr. Archerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether a statement on the ecological consequences of sand and gravel extraction as currently practised in the north-west sector of Lough Neagh has been deposited with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and National Resources, under article 3.2 of the Ramsar convention.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe practice of extracting sand and gravel from Lough Neagh pre-dates the coming into force of the Ramsar convention. There have been no significant technological changes in this extraction which would alter its overall effect and it is therefore considered inappropriate to deposit a statement under that convention.
§ Mr. Archerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether a statement on the ecological consequences of the recent introduction of roach (Rutilus rutilus) to Lough Neagh has been deposited with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, under article 3.2 of the Ramsar convention.
§ Dr. BoysonThe presence of roach in Lough Neagh predates United Kingdom ratification of the Ramsar convention and their presence is not considered to result from technological developments, pollution or other human interference. It would therefore be inappropriate to take action under article 3.2 of the convention.
§ Mr. Archerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assistance or encouragement is given by Her Majesty's Government to research into the flora and fauna of Lough Neagh.
§ Dr. BoysonThe Northern Ireland Departments of Agriculture and Environment conduct research on the flora and fauna of Lough Neagh. The Government have also provided some £150,000 over the past 18 years in support of work conducted by the University of Ulster.