§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will make it his policy to ensure that the National Rivers Authority becomes the navigation authority for the Rivers Wye and Lugg; [6667]
(2) if he will make a statement on the future control and supervision of the Rivers Wye and Lugg. [6668]
§ Mr. HagueThe National Rivers Authority has undertaken a consultation exercise on its proposals to become the navigation authority for the Rivers Wye and Lugg. The consultation paper issued by the authority outlined their views on the future management of the rivers. As the River Wye flows through England and Wales any application made by the NRA for navigation authority status following the consultation exercise would be considered jointly by myself and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.
§ Mr. CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will submit the River Wye to the European Commission as a special area of conservation in accordance with the EU habitats and species directive, 92/43/EEC; and if he will make a statement. [6669]
§ Mr. HagueConsideration is being given as to which riverine sites might be submitted to the EC as special areas of conservation. Before sites are submitted there will he consultation with those who may be affected. Not all the potential riverine sites are yet wholly covered by designation as a site of special scientific interest, the building block for special area of conservation.