§ 77. Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last discussed the status and numbers of marine nature reserves; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyI refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Ceredigion and Pembroke, North (Mr. Howells) on 28 June 1989 at column492. Officials of the Department are in regular contact with NCC on these matters.
§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has received from the Nature Conservancy Council as to the difficulties experienced in progressing marine nature reserve designations; if he has any plans to review(a) the existing consultation procedure or (b) section 36 and 37 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyMy Department is in close touch with the Nature Conservancy Council on all matters connected with the designation of marine nature reserves, including consultation procedures. There are no plans at present to revise sections 36 and 37 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.