HC Deb 06 January 2004 vol 416 cc269-71W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Government are on target to ensure that 95 per cent. of all sites of special scientific interest are in a favourable condition by 2010. [145250]

Mr. Bradshaw

English Nature completed the first six year cycle of condition assessments for every SSSI in England in 2003, launching its report on this work on 15 December. This contains a wealth of information on the factors affecting SSSI condition. This information base is essential in setting a course for future progress towards the target. We aim to do this by the spring of next year, and to assess future progress against that course thereafter.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to change the number of sites of special scientific interest in England. [145251]

Mr. Bradshaw

The notification of sites of special scientific interest is entirely a matter for English Nature in the exercise of its statutory functions. Significant improvements to the legislative framework brought about by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 now enable English Nature to also extend sites and to de-notify sites where they are no longer of special interest.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what funding was available for the(a) protection and (b) promotion of sites of special scientific interest in each of the past three years; and how much will be available for (i) 2003–04 and (ii) 2004–05. [145252]

Mr. Bradshaw

Conservation of sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) depends on raising awareness of issues and fostering partnerships with 32,000 owner/occupiers. A wide range of programmes contribute to the protection of SSSIs, including agri-environment schemes, water company investment, Government Departments' estate management and grant funding of National Park Authorities. It is not practicable to provide a breakdown of spending on SSSIs as specifically requested.

However, English Nature's direct expenditure on management agreements and maintenance of SSSIs is reported in its annual reports. The figures, including for those that are also National Nature Reserves, are £11.8 million in 2000–01, £13.5 million in 2001–02 and £14 million in 2002–03. Its forecast spend in 2003–04 is £15.9 million. Plans for 2004–05 have not been settled.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the sites of special scientific interest in the Vale of York. [145253]

Mr. Bradshaw

The list of sites of special scientific interest, either wholly or partly in the Vale of York is as follows:

SSSI Name SSSI Area in Vale

of York (ha)

 Total SSSI

Area (ha)
Aubert Ings 10.68 10.68
Birkham Wood 26.20 29.35
Bishop Monkton Ings 10.32 38.13
Dalby Bush Fen 1.61 7.50
Farnham Mires 10.32 10.32
Gormire 54.48 54.48
Hack Fall Wood 0.13 42.98
Kirk Deighton 4.03 4.03
Newsome Bridge Quarry 1.57 1.57
North York Moors 73.65 44,082.40
Pilmoor 45.02 45.02
Ripon Parks 26.11 129.74
River Ure Bank, Ripon Parks 0.05 1.74
Shaws Gate Quarry 0.83 1.45
Snape Hill Quarry 0.58 0.58
Upper Dunsforth Carrs 10.09 10.09
Total 275.67 —

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the Government's policy on sites of special scientific interest. [145254]

Mr. Bradshaw

The protection of over one million hectares of England's finest wildlife and geological heritage in over 4,000 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) is an essential component of the Government's approach to conserving biodiversity, as set out in "Working with the Grain of Nature"—the England biodiversity strategy.

The wide range of factors affecting the SSSIs mean that their condition is a clear indicator of success in achieving sustainable development. That is why their condition is also an indicator of progress in the UK Sustainable Development Strategy "A Better Quality of Life", Defra's own sustainable development strategy "Foundations for our Future", and the Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food. The Government has a target to bring 95 per cent. of SSSIs into favourable condition by 2010, and is working with English Nature and others to bring this about.