§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what additional sites have been added to the sites recognised as of international importance under the 17W Ramsar convention on wetlands preservation since August; how many sites within the United Kingdom or under the United Kingdom jurisdiction are now listed under Ramsar; and which additional sites are under consideration for inclusion on the Ramsar list.
§ Mr. AtkinsThree additional wetlands of international importance have been added to the list of Ramsar sites since August; Loch Maree; Broadland; and Booby Pond and Rookery, Little Cayman. There are currently 83 United Kingdom Ramsar sites, including two sites in United Kingdom dependent territories. In due course some 70 further sites within the United Kingdom are expected to be considered for listing under the Ramsar convention. Further listings can also be expected in the United Kingdom dependent territories.