§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken to improve protection for sites of special scientific interest.
§ Mr. MacleanThe additional safeguards for sites of special scientific interest announced by this Government in September 1991 came into effect on 2 January 1992. Further details of the many steps we have taken to conserve our natural heritage, and how our policies on conservation are to be reflected in land use planning, are set out in a draft planning policy guidance note, which was issued for public consultation on 27 February. The response to that consultation exercise are now being considered.