UK Ports (Hansard, 30 January 2001)

§ Dr. Naysmith
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure that the proposed designations for the approach channels and ports in the UK under the European Habitats and Birds Directives will not adversely affect the competitive position of the UK ports industry, relative to ports on the European mainland and in Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [147791]

Mr. Robert Ainsworth
Ports serve the national interest, supporting the competitiveness of national and regional economies. It is in the national interest that our ports remain able to handle current UK trade and its potential development efficiently and sustainably. Government will seek to ensure that all member states' sites, including those in close proximity to ports, put forward as eligible to be designated as special areas of conservation (SACs) have been selected on their scientific merit in accordance with selection criteria at Article 4 and Annex III to the Habitats Directive.

§ Dr. Naysmith
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he is taking to ensure that the designation of approach channels and ports in the UK under the European Habitats and Birds Directives is consistent with the approach being taken by all other European member states. [147789]
128W

Mr. Robert Ainsworth
It is for the European Commission and member states collectively to ensure that a consistent approach is adopted by all member states in the selection and designation of sites under both the Habitats and Birds Directives. If approach channels and ports merit selection on scientific grounds, member states are obliged to put forward these areas.

§ Dr. Naysmith
To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will delay confirming designations of approach channels and ports in the Severn and Humber estuaries, under the European Habitats and Birds Directives, until a common approach to such designations has been agreed with all European member states; and if he will make a statement. [147790]

Mr. Robert Ainsworth
If sites merit selection on scientific grounds, member states are obliged to transmit them to the Commission (in the case of Special Areas of Conservation) or designate them (in the case of Special Protection Areas). Consultations are continuing on the Humber and Severn and I cannot comment, therefore, on the areas included or the merits of these particular proposals.