§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to draw up habitat regulations for the River Wye candidate special area of conservation. [78881]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 1994 (SI 1994/2716) apply to all sites classified as Special Protection Areas (SPAs) under the Birds Directive and sites which have been put forward as candidate Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) under the Habitats Directive from the point when they have been agreed as Sites of Community Importance. As a matter of policy, sites such as the Rive Wye which have been submitted to the European Commission as candidate Special Areas of Conservation, are treated as if the Regulations apply when considering new proposals.
§ Mr. KeetchTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what plans he has to protect the traditional grasslands and meadows along the banks of salmon rivers, with particular reference to those of the River Wye candidate special area of conservation; and if he will make a statement; [78882]
(2) which national authority is responsible for regulating agricultural activities in respect of spring salmon fishing within the catchment of the River Wye candidate special area of conservation; and if he will make a statement. [78880]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Countryside Stewardship scheme provides payments for farmers to conserve and enhance traditional grassland and meadows along rivers. The scheme is targeted to meet national and local priorities such as the protection of species rich meadows. The River Wye has been identified as a target area for the scheme in 1999.
MAFF is aware of the potential damage to salmon rivers and their spawning grounds which can occur as a result of sediment deposition caused by soil erosion. It has therefore recently produced a series of publications, including the revised Soil Code, aimed at helping farmers and growers to both protect the soil and prevent soil erosion.
In addition, MAFF officials are working closely with the statutory environmental agencies to develop workable proposals for implementation of the "uncultivated land or semi-natural areas" provisions in the EU Directive on environmental impact assessment (EIA). Projects to bring 742W such land into intensive agricultural use will require an environmental statement if they are likely to give rise to significant environmental effects.