§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultation she undertook, and with whom, prior to determining the methodology for designating nitrate vulnerable zones. [48200]
§ Margaret Beckett[holding answer 10 April 2002]: Since adopting the Nitrates Directive in 1991, the Government have consulted extensively on all aspects of Nitrate Vulnerable Zone designation:
18W1992: First consultation on methodology for identifying NVZ areas in England and Wales;1993: Second consultation on methodology for identifying NVZ areas in England and Wales;1994: Consultation on proposed NVZ areas in England and Wales;1995: Consultation on proposed Action Programme measures to apply in NVZ areas in England and Wales1997: Consultation on draft regulations establishing Action Programme measures to apply in NVZ areas in England and Wales;
§ Mr. MeacherThe Department has conducted a consultation exercise on the proposals put forward by the Lead Shot Legislation (England) Review Group. Over 1,800 consultation papers were issued. The response rate was low. The report contained proposals for some changes to the site list in Schedule 1 of the Lead Shot Legislation 1999, removing some sites not considered important for waterfowl and adding others which were considered important. It also contained proposals for the removal of Common Snipe and Golden Plover from Schedule 2. No respondents disagreed with the recommendations. The amendments recommended will therefore be implemented by Statutory Instrument under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in due course.