§ 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 Thompson[pursuant to his reply, 4 November 1986, c. 423]: There may be a number of existing investment projects within environmentally sensitive areas which will need to be reassessed in the light of the designation of these areas. Whilst my Department will honour its commitments where appraisal has already been granted to a project, I have asked my local staff to ensure that where decisions remain to be taken on existing or future works, suppport is given only to those projects which respect the new environmental status of the area.