§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he last designated an area under the Ramsar convention on the conservation of wetlands of international importance; if he will indicate the area which is next to be designated; and when he expects to designate it.
§ Mr. TrippierThe last Ramsar designations in England, Pagham Harbour and the Wash, were on 30 March 1988, although the north Norfolk coast site was extended on 20 January 1989. Responsibility for the designation of sites in Scotland rests with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, who announced the designation of four Ramsar sites in Scotland on 25 April 1990, bringing the Great Britain total to 43.
I cannot forecast which site will be designated next, nor when. Government officials are currently carrying out consultations of a number of sites.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will designate the peatlands of Thorne and Hatfield moors under the Ramsar convention on the conservation of wetlands of international importance.
§ Mr. TrippierI cannot forecast whether Thorne and Hatfield moors will be designated under the Ramsar convention. They have been identified by NCC as a potential Ramsar site, but no formal case has yet been submitted.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the species and scientific features of national or greater importance in the peatland area known as Thorne and Hatfield moors.
§ Mr. TrippierI will write to the hon. Member with details of the information requested.