§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has carried out in relation to allocation of shooting leases and areas of particular nature conservation importance.
§ Mr. AtkinsNone. Notification of such an area as a site of special scientific interest provides a mechanism for consultation with English Nature over shooting. Where the Crown Estate owns tidal land, the commissioners rely on advice from English Nature prior to granting leases, including sporting rights on the foreshore.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if nature conservation societies will be allowed to participate in drawing up draft procedures for considering the grant of shooting leases.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Crown Estate are about to begin consultations with a wide range of interested bodies over revised draft procedures drawn up with the help of English Nature. Within sites of special scientific interest, owners and occupiers should continue to consult English Nature.