§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the amount of public funds spent in promoting the designation and protection of special areas of consultation in coastal and intertidal areas for the last three years in constant prices; what is his estimate for such spending during the next three financial years; if funding for special areas of consultation within coastal and intertidal areas will permit the United Kingdom to adhere to the European habitats and species directive; and if he will make a statement. [28211]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesMarine and intertidal special areas of conservation have not been separately funded. For the purpose of disseminating information relating to these areas, the Countryside Council for Wales had convened meetings of relevant authorities and interested parties and has issued a separate information booklet about marine areas during the recent consultation exercise.
The funding is sufficient to enable the UK to adhere to the European habitats directive.