§ Mr. GrahamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when his Department first received a recommendation from his statutory advisers for the designation of the Cairngorm plateau as a special protection area under EC directive 79/409; when he expects to designate this area; and what consideration he has made in the intervening period. [20320]
§ Mr. KynochAn initial recommendation without supporting data was received from the former Nature Conservancy Council in 1987. SPA classification has significant long-term implications for both nature conservation and other legitimate land use interests. Officials have, therefore, been involved in detailed discussions with Scottish Natural Heritage on the scientific case for classification. SNH will be commencing consultations very shortly with owners and occupiers and other local interests. Subject to the outcome of these, I expect a decision on classification to be taken later this year.