§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made by the European Union in(a) identifying sensitive areas which are at high risk from marine traffic and (b) developing measures to protect these areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsI have been asked to reply.
The Council of Ministers—Environment—on 28 June 1993 invited member states to identify environmentally sensitive areas at high risk from marine traffic, on the basis of criteria circulated by the Commission. The Commission is currently studying member states' responses. A joint meeting of Environment and Transport Ministers on 24 March, during the Environment Council, will review progress on this and other Community maritime safety and pollution initiatives.