Written question asked by Thomas Graham (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 March 1996. It was answered by George Kynoch (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 March 1996 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: When his Department first received a recommendation from his statutory advisers for the designation of the Cairngorm plateau as a special protection area under EC Directive 79/409; when he expects to designate this area; and what consideration he has made in the intervening period.

Answer: Mr. Graham: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when his Department first received a recommendation from his statutory advisers for the designation of the Cairngorm plateau as a special protection area under EC directive 79/409; when he expects to designate this area; and what consideration he has made in the intervening period.[20320] Mr. Kynoch: An initial recommendation without supporting data was received from the former Nature Conservancy Council in 1987. SPA classification has significant long term implications for both nature conservation and other legitimate land use interests. Officials have, therefore, been involved in detailed discussions with Scottish Natural Heritage on the scientific case for classification. SNH will be commencing consultations very shortly with owners and occupiers and other local interests. Subject to the outcome of these, I expect a decision on classification to be taken later this year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 20320; 274 c252W
Session: 1995-96
Subjects: Environment protection Nature conservation Special protection areas Cairngorms