§ Mr. MacleanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he plans to introduce legislation to protect SSSIs; what plans he has to legislate for the protection of peat reserves; what plans he has to encourage the commercial production of peat alternatives; and if he will make a statement. [99228]
§ Mr. MeacherThe Countryside Amenity and Conservation Bill will be brought forward in the current session. The legislative proposals to provide better protection for SSSIs will benefit all sites, including those notified for their peatland interests. In addition, the best examples of those peatland sites will be designated under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and Ramsar Convention, affording them additional protection. We will consider the commercial production of peat alternatives in the light of the findings of the Peat Working Group, which will be publishing its report shortly.