§ Baroness Nicolasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they can yet give a firm date for the announcement of the first marine nature reserve and if not whether they will explain which matters have still to be resolved.
§ Lord EltonDiscussions on a number of sites are well advanced. The Nature Conservancy Council expect to commence formal consultations on their detailed proposals for at least one site in May. The exact timing for this stage is uncertain but the council hopes to put formal proposals to the Secretary of State later in the summer.