§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number of sites of special scientific interest which were originally notified under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and the number awaiting re-notification under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
§ Mr. TrippierThe numbers are 4,026 and 119 respectively.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what assessment he has made of the impact of the Leybucht Bay judgment of the European Court of Justice on 28 February on the economic and recreational development proposals affecting sites of special scientific interest in the United Kingdom;
(2) what consultations he has had with the chairman of the Nature Conservancy Council regarding the Leybucht Bay judgment in the European Court of Justice; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TrippierAn official English translation of the judgment is not yet available. Careful consideration will be given to its implications in due course. No consultations have taken place with the chairman of NCC regarding the judgment.
§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the number of sites of special scientific interest which have been damaged by operations granted planning permission in each of the last three years.
§ Mr. TrippierThis information is set out in the NCC's annual reports, copies of which are in the Library.
§ Mrs. Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total number of staff who were employed by the Nature Conservancy Council on a contract basis since 1981 in order to assist with the re-notification of sites of special scientific interest.
§ Mr. TrippierThe information is not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.