HC Deb 06 February 1991 vol 185 c189W
Mrs. Ray Michie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the number of sites of special scientific interest which have been opposed under schedule 11.4.1(a) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; how many local hearings have been held and in relation to which sites; how many proposed sites of special scientific interest designations have been withdrawn as a result; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

There is a right of objection to notification of a site of special scientific interest, but there is no provision for hearings to be held. However, after notification, where there is dispute about the operations that may be carried out on such a site, my right hon. Friend may make a nature conservation order under section 29 of the Act and schedule 11 of the Act describes the procedures to be followed which include provision for a local inquiry or hearing.

To date five such cases have resulted in local inquiries. They are as follows:

  • Loch of Strathbeg (Banff and Buchan)
  • North Fetlar (Shetland)
  • Culbin Foreshore (Nairn)
  • Kinneil Kerse (Falkirk)
  • Loch Obisary (Western Isles)

In the first four cases the reporter recommended and my right hon. Friend agreed that the order be confirmed as each area meets the criteria of special scientific interest set out in section 29(1) and (2) of the 1981 Act. A determination in the last case will issue soon.