HC Deb 05 November 1999 vol 337 cc344-5W
Sir Peter Emery

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to update existing legislation on SSSIs. [96524]

Mr. Meacher

The Government are committed to introducing legislation to improve the protection and management of Sites of Special Scientific Interest. We will take action as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

Sir Peter Emery

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to increase the penalties for those who breach the regulations governing SSSIs. [96592]

Mr. Meacher

The Government are examining the level of penalties for damaging an SSSI, and has proposed that the Court should be able to impose unlimited fines where this is appropriate. We will take action as soon as Parliamentary time allows.