§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) which marine habitats are being studied by the North sea task force; if these include inter-tidal and estuarine habitats; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how much funding for North sea research, under the direction of the North sea task force, has been directed towards research into the importance of inter-tidal and estuarine habitats to the well being of the North sea biological system; which particular aspects are being examined; and if he will make a statement;
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[holding answer 22 May 1989]: it is not envisaged that the North sea task force will itself commission research into the marine environment, but rather that it will act as a co-ordinating body to bring together the work of all the North sea states. Studies on the coastal margin and inter-tidal areas have been identified by the task force as a priority area and more detailed proposals will be considered at its third meeting in September 1989. Research on inter-tidal and estuarine habitats has also been identified as an sea research programme: detailed proposals are now being drawn up to supplement existing work in this area.