§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State. for Transport what action he intends to take to guard against the degradation of sites of special scientific interest and other areas requiring special conservation measures under the EC directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, in the planning of new road networks including motorways.
§ Mr. Kenneth CarlisleOur long-established policy is that our road schemes should avoid protected areas wherever possible. We consult English Nature as individual proposals are developed and publish a comprehensive environmental assessment. Special measures to protect sites or relocate species may be agreed with English Nature.
We are already considering the implications of the EC Habitats Directive in the planning of our schemes and will observe its provisions when it is implemented.