§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what research has been conducted recently on the impact of agriculture and urban development on bird habitats of the West Pennine Moors. [5383]
§ Angela EagleI am not aware of any specific research on this subject which has been carried out in this area. However, a practical project run by the Standing Conference of South Pennine Authorities, due to be completed in March 1998, is aimed at developing a broad, integrated strategy for the sustainable use of the South Pennine Moors. That part of the project which relates to important bird habitats is part-funded by the European LIFE/Nature programme. Today I am announcing the clasification of the South Pennine Moors as a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive.