§ Mr. AshdownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how long he estimates the site of special scientific interest in the Somerset wetlands will continue to qualify as such, at current rates of drying out; and whether he will introduce a system of water table management, aimed at preserving the levels, and moors, wetland status.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe results of recent surveys commissioned by the NCC into the possible lowering of water levels and a decline in the density of breeding wading birds on the Somerset levels and moors over the last 10 years are currently under examination. The NCC has no plans at present to denotify any of the SSSIs. It has recently met Wessex water authority to discuss the position and will be having further consultations with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Wessex water authority, internal drainage boards, other environmental interests and farming representatives.