§ Baroness Nicolasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have acted upon the recommendations of the Select Committee on Science and Technology (contained in its first report, session 1982–83, on the Water Industry) that they should discuss with the water industry, the Nature Conservancy Council and appropriate voluntary 892WA bodies the conduct and financing of surveys to identify features of scientific interest which water authorities must conserve under Section 48 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; and, if so, what were the results of those discussions.
§ Lord SkelmersdaleThe department of the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Nature Conservancy Council, water authorities in England and Wales, and land drainage and conservation interests met in December 1984. A draft methodology for surveying wildlife in river corridors presented to that meeting by the Nature Conservancy Council was accepted and has been published. Additionally, the Water Research Centre, acting on behalf of water authorities, has sponsored a comprehensive study of the different approaches being taken by water authorities towards conservation of the riverine environment. The Nature Conservancy Council have reported to the Department of the Environment that almost all water authorities are undertaking surveys at their own cost and are making good progress. Others will commence work shortly.