§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on progress with the decision whether to designate Loch Sween as a marine nature reserve.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Nature Conservancy Council issued a discussion document on 4 October on the proposal to designate Loch Sween as a marine nature reserve. This is the first stage in a process of public consultation which will ensure that the views of local people and organisations are fully considered before an application is made by the council to my right hon. and learned Friend for statutory designation of the area under section 36 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. A copy of the consultation document has been placed in the Library.