§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he expects to announce his decision in respect of endangered species status for the basking shark; and if he will make a statement. [34009]
§ Angela EagleConsultations have now concluded on the Joint Nature Conservation Committee's recommendations regarding species which should be afforded protection by their listing on Schedules 5 and 8 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Preparations for an Order to implement the necessary protection are underway, and an announcement of the levels of protection to be afforded to all the species subject to current review, including the basking shark, is expected to be made before the end of March 1998.