HC Deb 10 March 1997 vol 292 cc46-7W
Mr. Ainger

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) what recent discussions have taken place with the European Commission about delays in reaching a decision on the designation of the Pembrokeshire islands special area of conservation; and if he will make a statement; [19524]

(2) what factors he assesses may delay the decision on the proposed designation of the Pembrokeshire islands as a special area of conservation; [19520]

(3) when he will make a decision on the proposed designation of the Pembrokeshire islands as a special area of conservation; [19522]

(4) on what date the consultation process concluded in respect of the proposed designation of the Pembrokeshire islands as a special area of conservation under the habitats directive; [19521]

(5) if he will list those areas designated special areas of conservation under the habitats directive indicating for each the dates on which (a) the consultation periods ended and (b) the areas were designated. [19523]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

The consultation period for marine sites ended on 22 June 1996, although discussions are continuing in respect of a number of sites across the UK where outstanding issues remain. To date, 36 Welsh sites listed as follows have been submitted to the European Commission as candidate special areas of conservation, although none has yet been designated. Having received many representations, both for and against the proposed designation of the Pembrokeshire islands site, my right hon. Friend, in common with practice elsewhere in the UK, is still considering the relevant issues raised. The Commission has been informed of the latest position.

  • Berwyn
  • Burry inlet: dunes
  • Burry inlet: saltmarsh
  • Cardigan Bay Coed Y Cerrig
  • Coedydd a Cheunant Rheidol
  • Coedydd Derw Meirion
  • Coleg Clynllifon
  • Cors Caron
  • Cors Fochno
  • Corsydd Mon
  • Crymlyn bog
  • Cwm Cadlan
  • Drostre bank
  • Elenydd
  • Eryri
  • Glannau Mon: Twyni
  • Glannau Mon: Cors Heli
  • Glannau Ynys Gybi
  • Great Orme's
  • Kenfig
  • Limestone Sea Cliffs of S W Wales
  • Llangorse lake
  • Fenn's, Whixhall, Bettisfield, Wem and Cadney mosses
  • Gower commons
  • Pembrokeshire bat sites
  • Penllyn a'r Sarnau
  • Preseli
  • Rhinog
  • Rhos Goch
  • Rhos Llawr Cwrt
  • St. David's
  • Tanat and Vyrynwy bat sites
  • Wye Valley woodlands
  • Wye Valley bat sites
  • Usk Valley bat sites.