HC Deb 20 July 1989 vol 157 cc344-5W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Sherwood (Mr. Stewart) of 11 July,Official Report, columns 482–83, what measures will be taken to ensure a unified scientific approach to the United Kingdom's responsibilities under (a) the Ramsar convention on wetlands of international importance, (b) the European community directive on the conservation of wild birds, and (c) the Berne convention; and if the scientific criteria for selecting sites of special scientific interest on a United Kingdom basis will remain in place.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The Government will ensure that the successor bodies to the present NCC are able to provide appropriate advice on the designation of ramsar sites and special protection areas. NCC's present country headquarters submit the proposals for individual sites. Provision will also be made for the Government to maintain a Great Britain overview based on the best scientific advice. The details of how best to achieve this having regard to the new organisational structure will be discussed with the NCC. No changes are proposed to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.