§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what forestry development is currently proceeding or is in process of preparation within environmentally sensitive areas; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what drainage projects are planned or proceeding on wetland of ecological or environmental attraction within environmentally sensitive areas;
(3) what current developments are taking place within environmentally sensitive areas which he assesses are likely to be injurious to the present character of such areas; and which of these projects are supported by grants from public funds.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to refuse to make grants towards land drainage or commercial forestry operations within environmentally sensitive areas where such development could be injurious to the quality of the area concerned; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonUnder existing arrangements, grants for new drainage or forestry work require prior written consent. That consent will be given in environmentally sensitive areas only to developments which are compatible with the environmental features of the area concerned.