§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the damage to estuaries over the last decade and its implications for estuarial flora and fauna as well as adherence to international wildlife conventions; and whether he has any proposals for the protection and improvement of estuaries.
§ Mr. MacleanUnited Kingdom estuaries have to provide for many legitimate interests. The Government's planning policy guidance note for coastal planning—at present the subject of public consultation—emphasises the need for close co-operation between planning authorities to address the complex issues. Specific measures have been instituted where appropriate, for example, the Government view procedure for proposals for aggregates dredging and the introduction of environmental duties under the Transport and Works Act 1992. Many estuaries contain areas of special scientific interest, protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and special protection areas for birds. The Government are considering the measures necessary to meet its obligations under the recently agreed habitats directive.