HC Deb 12 February 1991 vol 185 cc428-9W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he proposes to extend full protection to vipera berus; and if he will make a statement on any other amendments he proposes to seek to make to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in respect of species protection.

Mr. Baldry

Following advice from the Nature Conservancy Council, my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Environment and the Countryside announced on 3 January that the Government had decided to introduce new protective measures for three species, including vipera berus, the adder. I have arranged for a copy of the news release to be placed in the Library of the House.

The necessary instrument to give effect to these changes will be laid before Parliament shortly.