HC Deb 27 February 1995 vol 255 cc455-6W
Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those designated areas in Wales that have been damaged in each of the last five years with the cause of the damage in each case; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Redwood

The protection and monitoring of designated habitats is the responsibility of the Countryside Council for Wales and the information is not held centrally. I have asked the chief executive to write to the hon. Member with the data requested; a copy of the letter will be placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what plans he has to increase the number of designated areas in Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Redwood

I will continue to consider each proposal for designation as it arrives.

Mr. Ron Davies

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he is taking to protect designated areas in Wales from being damaged; and what advice he has issued to local authorities in respect of this.

Mr. Redwood

The protection of designated habitats is the responsibility of the Countryside Council for Wales. National parks are the responsibility of their committees and areas of outstanding natural beauty are managed by the appropriate local authority or authorities.

Guidance on the protection of such areas is contained in various planning policy guidance notes, regulations, letters and circulars.