§ 25. Mr. RandallTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on wildlife conservation in Wales. [33454]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsWe are fully committed to wildlife conservation in Wales and pursue policies which conserve sensitive sites, habitats and species. These include the designation and protection of areas of environmental sensitivity such as Special Protection Areas; support for a programme of biodiversity action in Wales both at the local and national level; priority to the promotion of sustainable development; and a commitment to the Government's international nature conservation obligations such as those imposed by the EC Habitats Directive.
In addition, I am developing an all-Wales agrienvironment scheme encompassing the key components of existing schemes such as Tir Cymen and Environmentally Sensitive Areas. The criteria for the new scheme include the protection of species and habitats identified in the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan.