§ Mr. ElletsonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about threats to Britain's sites of special scientific interest.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides a sound basis for the protection of sites of special scientific interest. Some 6,700 SSSIs have now been notified throughout Britain. This affords protection to the habitats of key species of flora and fauna and to a range of the main geological and landform features. In addition, in the determination of development proposals, the land use planning system takes careful account of nature conservation interests.