§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what proportion of the sites of special scientific interest in(a) Scotland and (b) the Highland region are included in the list of possible special areas of conservation compiled by Scottish National Heritage;
280W(2) what proportion of the land area in (a) Scotland and (b) the Highland region is concerned by the list of possible special areas of conservation recently submitted to the Government.
§ Sir Hector MonroI refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Mr. Maclennan) on 12 April,Official Report, column 119-20.
§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will have regard to the economic, social and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics of those areas included in the proposed list of special areas of conservation he has received from Scottish Natural Heritage when making his decision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector MonroYes. However, I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave him on 12 April,Official Report, column 120, in which I made clear that the preliminary advice received from Scottish Natural Heritage does not constitute a list of proposed special areas of conservation.