§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the terms of reference for the Nature Conservancy Council's current overview of areas meeting the criteria for designation under the European Community directive on the conservation of wild birds.
§ Mr. TrippierThe NCC was asked to produce an overview setting out the requirements for the British series of special protection areas to ensure
the proper protection, survival and requisition of species listed on Annex 1 of the EC Birds Directive throughout their natural range in Great Britain; the safeguard of important breeding, moulting, wintering and nesting sites of migratory birds not listed on Annex 1; particular attention being paid to wetlands and especially those of international importance.Formal terms of reference were not provided.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether the Nature Conservancy Council's overview of special protection areas has delayed the designation of sites under the European Community directive on the conservation of wild birds; and whether additional resources have been made available to the Nature Conservancy Council in order to conduct the study.
§ Mr. TrippierThe Government have continued consultations in respect of sites notified by the NCC as potential special protection areas in parallel with the NCC's production of the study. No additional resources were provided as the NCC took the view that the necessary expertise was available.