§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the effect of European legislation on wildlife and the management of(a) nature conservation areas and (b) green belt sites since 1997. [139065]
§ Mr. MullinNature conservation areas in England are generally notified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because they host the best examples of our national heritage of wildlife habitats, geological features and landforms. In relation to the first part of his question I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 16 November 2000,Official Report, column 727W.
In relation to the second part, green belt designation has no bearing on the notification of wildlife sites for the purposes of European Union legislation.