§ Mr. KilfedderTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will designate the seven estuaries in Northern Ireland as special protection areas to protect habitats and to safeguard wildlife.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland intends to designate those estuaries which are most significant in terms of their bird populations as special protection areas under the terms of the European Community directive on the conservation of wild birds. Surveying and assessment is proceeding. However, I am not yet in a position to give a precise timetable for the appropriate designations.