§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the number of sites in Wales designated as sites of special scientific interest currently and for the previous two years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe information requested is as follows:
Number of sites of special scientific interest
- 1990–769 (as at 31 March)
- 1991–816 (as at 31 March)
- 1992–841 (as at 31 May)
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many hectares in Wales are designated as sites 325W of special scientific interest; what is that figure as a percentage of (a) farm land in Wales and (b) Wales as a whole; what is the percentage change in the number of sites of special scientific interest in hectares from 1982; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe information requested is as follows:
1982 1992 Area of Wales covered by SSSI's (hectares) 167,518 200,896 Area of Wales coverd by SSSI's as a percentage of farm land 9.9 11.8 Area of Wales coverd by SSSI's as a percentage of total area 7.9 9.5 The increase in the number of hectares of Wales notified as sites of special scientific interest from 1982 to 1992 is therefore 19.9 per cent.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has any plans to increase the number of sites in Wales designated as sites of special scientific interest.
§ Sir Wyn RobertsThe responsibility for notifying sites of special scientific interest in the Principality rests with the Countryside Council for Wales. However, I understand that it has plans to designate more sites.