HC Deb 08 December 1992 vol 215 cc573-4W
Mr. Kevin Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the timetable for English Nature to take possession of the freehold of Thorne and Hatfield moors site of special scientific interest.

Mr. Maclean

English Nature has been managing the vegetated areas since February this year, with assistance from Fisons. The transfer of ownership will be completed as soon as possible.

Mr. Kevin Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what effect he expects the sale of Fisons horticultural division to have on the negotiation of an agreement between the company and English Nature on the purchase of Thorne and Hatfield moors.

Mr. Maclean

None.

Mr. Kevin Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment English Nature has made of the extent to which damage to Thorne and Hatfield moors site of special scientific interest as a result of peat extraction has been reduced during negotiations for the purchase of the site.

Mr. Maclean

I am advised by English Nature that the vegetated areas previously planned for peat extraction are still intact and will remain so. Water levels on the moors have been successfully raised and the prime area of the site is now in better condition than before the negotiations.