HC Deb 25 July 1997 vol 298 c791W
Mr. Matthew Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he intends to publish a consultation document on marine environmental high-risk areas; and if he will make a statement. [10403]

Ms Glenda Jackson

We are completing the development of criteria to identify areas which are both of high environmental interest and at risk from shipping. Once these criteria have been developed, a decision will be taken on how the concept of marine environmental high-risk areas should be taken forward and appropriate consultations will be carried out.