HL Deb 12 January 1988 vol 491 c1226WA
Lord Blease

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to declare Special Protection Areas for wildbirds in Northern Ireland as required by the European Communities Council Directive 79/409.

Lord Lyell

Declaration of Special Protection Areas in accordance with the European Community's Council Directive 79/409 must follow some form of statutory protection within the member state.

In Northern Ireland this will be by way of designation as a National Nature Reserve or Area of Special Scientific Interest. Priority is being given to such designations as a preliminary to Special Protection Area declaration.