§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will apply in full Section V of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to basking sharks; and if he will make a statement. [2226]
§ Ms Angela EaglePublic consultations on the Joint Nature Conservation Committee's recommendation that the basking shark be afforded full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and recommendations concerning 33 other species, took place between January and April. Responses received during the exercise are being considered.
It is premature to indicate if the basking shark will be afforded full protection until Ministers have considered all representations. Ministers hope to make a decision in the summer.