§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will publish the findings of the consultation exercise concerning reform of SSSIs and national parks. [62255]
§ Mr. MacdonaldThe Scottish Office is currently considering responses to the consultation paper "People and Nature: A New Approach to SSSI Designations in Scotland". My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland expects to make an announcement in the early part of next year.
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) recently consulted on proposals for National Parks appropriate to Scottish circumstances. The responses to the consultation will be taken into account by SNH in the advice that it provides to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. It is intended that SNH publish its advice in the early part of next year.