§ Baroness Nicolasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which sites are currently being considered for designation under (a) the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance and (b) EC Directive 79/409 on the conservation of wild birds; on what date in each case the proposals were made to Her Majesty's Government by the Nature Conservancy Council; and when they are expected to act on their recommendations.
§ Lord HeskethFourteen sites in England and Wales are currently being considered for designation under the Ramsar Convention, or as special protection areas under EC Directive 79/409, or both. Details of the sites and the dates they were proposed by NCC are as follows:
Government officials are currently carrying out consultations on these sites. The next classification of a site will take place as soon as these necessary consultations have been satisfactorily completed.335WA
Site Type of Site Date of submission by NCC 1. Mersey Estuary SPA/Ramsar 28 November 1985 2. Orwell/Stour Estuaries " 16 January 1986 3. Medway Estuary " 1 April 1986 4. Llyn Tegid Ramsar only 22 April 1987 5. Llyn Idwal " 6 May 1987 6. Benfleet & Southend Marshes SPA/Ramsar 27 May 1987 7. Burry inlet " 28 January 1988 8. Upper Solway Flats & Marshes " 5 July 1988 9. Skomer/Skokholm SPA only 27 July 1988 10. Bowland Fells " 30 March 1989 11. Rutland Water SPA/Ramsar 31 March 1989 12. Esthwaite Water Ramsar only 31 March 1989 13. Redgrave & Lopham Fens " 31 March 1989 14. Glannau Aberdaron & Ynys Enlli SPA only 18 August 1989 The classification of sites in Scotland is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Scotland. The following sites are currently subject to consultation.
Site Type of Site Date of submission by NCC 1. Glac na Criche SPA/Ramsar 9 May 1986 2. Feur Lochain SPA/Ramsar 9 May 1986 3. Cairngorms SPA only 25 July 1988 4. Caenlochan " 25 July 1988 5. Drumochter " 25 July 1987 6. Abernethy Forest " 5 April 1989 7. Upper Solway Flats & Marshes (Scottish Part) SPA/Ramsar April 1989 8. Firth of Forth Islands SPA only 5 April 1989 9. Handa Island SPA only 5 April 1989 10. Fala Flow SPA Ramsar 2 May 1989 11. Ailsa Craig SPA only 2 May 1989 12. Loch an Duin Ramsar only 2 May 1989