HC Deb 28 June 1989 vol 155 c494W
83. Mr. Geraint Howells

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the progress of consultations on marine nature reserves.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

The first statutory marine nature reserve around Lundy island was established on 21 November 1986. The Nature Conservancy Council has formally submitted proposals for a second reserve at Skomer island —Marloes peninsular—to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales. A decision is awaited from the South Wales sea fisheries committee on a proposed byelaw controlling fishing before further progress can be made.

The NCC published a consultation paper on Menai Straits in September 1988 and is considering the 175 responses it has received.