§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to conduct a survey in respect of otters and winter low vegetation levels on the lines of that recommended by the Skye bridge environmental impact assessment and the public local inquiry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonSurveys of the otter habitat have been carried out by the Vincent Wildlife Trust both during winter, when vegetation levels are at their lowest, and after the line of the construction corridor was set out on the ground. The results of these surveys were incorporated in the booklet "Skye Bridge Crossing, Additional Information" which contains supplementary information on various matters in connection with the bridge. This information was made available to the regional district and community councils earlier this year.
§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what further steps he has taken since publishing his response to the recommendations of the public local inquiry into the Skye bridge to consult Scottish Natural Heritage and the National Trust for Scotland over otter protection, with particular reference to the subsequent monitoring of measures by the Vincent Wildlife Trust; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonConsultation has been ongoing with both Scottish Natural Heritage—SNH and the Vincent Wildlife Trust—VWT—on the details of the measures for the protection of otters. These measures include the construction of barriers, tunnels, replacement otter holts and fresh water grooming pools. The National Trust for Scotland, through its local representative, has also visited the site and is aware of these measures. Arrangements are in place for further visits. Consultations will continue with SNH, the statutory body responsible for the protection of the environment, and VWT to ensure the 51W measures incorporated are to their satisfaction. Thereafter, it is SNH's and the VWT's intention to monitor their effectiveness once the bridge is open to traffic.
§ Mr. Charles KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the compliance with regulation 16 of the Environmental Assessments (Scotland) Regulations 1988 of his original advertisements in respect of 23 October 1991 compulsory purchase orders and road orders relating to the Skye bridge; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonA representation was made at the public local inquiry held into the bridge that regulation 16 of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1988 was applicable and had not been complied with. This was considered by the reporter who in her report reached the view that there was no basis in the relevant legislation to support the representation. The Secretary of State agreed with those views and rejected the representation.