§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what new proposals he has to strengthen and expand the work of moth and butterfly conservation through nature reserves and conservation areas. [9295]
§ Mr. MossMoth and butterfly conservation in Northern Ireland will continue to benefit from the ongoing programme of site protection through the declaration and management of areas of special scientific interest and nature reserves.
There are now 85 ASSIs covering 75,327 hectares. These already include many of Northern Ireland's most important butterfly and moth sites. The target date for the completion of the declaration of ASSIs throughout Northern Ireland is 2001. Several new nature reserves are also proposed, some of which will be important for moths and butterflies.