HC Deb 22 June 1992 vol 210 c92W
Ms. Eagle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will indicate the extent of the area of the Mersey estuary which has been proposed for designation as a special protection area under the EC directive on the conservation of wild birds.

Mr. Maclean

I will arrange for a map showing the proposed boundary of the Mersey estuary special protection area to be sent to the hon. Member.

Ms. Eagle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to designate the Mersey estuary as a special protection area under the EC directive on the conservation of wild birds.

Mr. Maclean

The Government are firmly committed to an accelerated SPA designation programme. We recognise the value of the Mersey estuary in the light of the scientific evidence put forward by the former Nature Conservancy Council. There are many complex issues to consider and I cannot at this stage forecast when the Mersey estuary will be designated.

Ms. Eagle

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will specify those features of the Mersey estuary which are of nature conservation importance, and provide an indication of the main factors necessary to maintain their conservation importance.

Mr. Maclean

I will arrange for the hon. Member to he sent a copy of the site of special scientific interest notification which gives details of the important nature conservation interests of the Mersey estuary. Many complex inter-related ecological factors operate in the estuary which help to maintain these interests. The features of the estuary are already afforded firm protection under the SSSI notification and through local planning policies and procedures. The Estuary Group of the Mersey Campaign Basin (supported by my Department's Mersey campaign unit) have commissioned a management plan which is intended shall give a good framework to all interested bodies facing the many difficult issues that arise in the planning and conservation of such a vital area.