HC Deb 26 July 1993 vol 229 cc706-7W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will issue the consultation document on the implementation of the EC directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Yeo

The Government are considering the best means of implementing the requirements of the EC habitats directive. Our proposals will be published shortly.

Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for the environment when his Department expects to publish its consultation document on implementation of the habitats directive.

Mr. Yeo

[holding answer 22 July 1993]: The Government are considering the best means of implementing the requirements of the EC habitats directive. Our proposals will be published shortly.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether measures will be included in the consultation document on the implementation of the EC directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora in the United Kingdom to address the incidental capture and killing of small cetaceans in fishing nets as required under article 12(4); and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Yeo

The Government's proposals for implementation of the EC habitats directive paper will address the United Kingdom's obligations. Action is already being taken to deal with the conservation of small cetaceans and I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 11 June 1993 to the hon. Member for Pembroke (Mr. Ainger)Official Report, column 358

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures will be included in the biodiversity action plan to improve the conservation status of small cetaceans in United Kingdom waters arid, in particular, to address the incidental capture and killing of marine mammals in fishing nets.

Mr Yeo

The biodiversity action plan will address the United Kingdom's obligations at a strategic level. Action is already being taken to deal with the conservation of small cetaceans and I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on 11 June 1993 to the hon. Member for Pembroke (Mr. Ainger),Official Report, column 358