§ Mr. RandallTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if the policies applied by English Partnerships when deciding whether to fund development proposals affecting sites of special scientific interest are to be reviewed following the release of the consultation paper on better protection and management of SSSIs. [61006]
§ Mr. MealeEnglish Partnerships is currently reviewing all aspects of its environmental policy, including that on development proposals affecting SSSIs. This review is taking account of the commitments set out in my department's consultation document "Better Protection and Management of SSSIs", that Government Departments and agencies publish statements of commitment, or sign appropriate memoranda of understanding with DETR, in112W relation to the obligation to secure the protection and positive management of special sites for which they are responsible.
The review will result in the production of new internal guidance, which will include more specific advice on how the Agency operates on land close to, or within, SSSIs and other environmentally sensitive areas. A copy of this will be placed in the Library of the House when available.