§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what measures his Department takes to protect and clean ponds; and what is the budget for these projects. [32160]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Department supports a number of environmental grant schemes, such as countryside stewardship, which include provision for the creation or restoration of ponds. Under the Countryside Act 1968, local authorities can carry out pond restoration and creation, and under the rural action scheme, which is sponsored by the three countryside agencies, grants are available for environmental improvements, including the216W clearing of ponds. With regard to water quality, many ponds will be subject to the general pollution control functions of the National Rivers Authority.
Ponds are protected through a number of schemes and mechanisms, including some via the site of special scientific interest system under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is not possible to identify within the overall budgets the amount spent on protecting and clearing ponds.