HC Deb 13 April 1994 vol 241 cc208-9W
Mr. Charles Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the implications for existing economic and recreational activities of an area which is accorded special area of conservation status.

Sir Hector Monro

The implications for existing economic and recreational activities in an area designated as a special area of conservation will vary according to the conservation interest for which the site is designated and the nature and extent of the existing activities.

Mr. Charles Kennedy

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the Scottish Office will be taking to obtain local views on economic and social factors which might moderate the list of possible special areas of conservation prior to the list being issued for public consultation.

Sir Hector Monro

The Government believe that when a list of candidate special areas of conservation has been drawn up, the owners and occupiers of those sites should be the first to be informed. In drawing up their proposals the Government will take account of available information on economic and social factors, including relevant local authority structure and local plans. Moreover, the Scottish Office would be interested in any advice which local authorities and other organisations might care to give about areas which they consider suitable or unsuitable for proposal as special areas of conservation.

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