§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any proposals concerning the creation of marine nature reserves; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI have no such proposals. Marine nature reserves may be designated 159W under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 on recommendations from the Nature Conservancy Council for Scotland. So far, no formal recommendations for designation have been put forward.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made concerning the proposed marine nature reserve at Loch Sween; and if he will make a statement.
Lord James Douglas HamiltonThe Nature Conservancy Council issued a discussion document on 4 October and meetings with interested parties were held locally. A number of concerns were expressed by local people, landowners and organisations. Further consultation will take place before any formal recommendation is made for designation of the loch.