Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 July 1997. It was answered by Ron Davies (Labour) on Thursday, 24 July 1997 on behalf of the Welsh Office.

Welsh Office

Question: What assessment he has made of whether the stated economic benefits of the proposed Cardiff Bay Barrage constitute imperative reasons of overriding public interest under Article 6(4) of the EC Habitats and Species Directive (92/43/EEC).

Answer: Mr. Matthew Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of whether the stated economic benefits of the proposed Cardiff Bay barrage constitute imperative reasons of overriding public interest under article 6(4) of the EC habitats and species directive (92/43/EEC). [8653] Mr. Ron Davies: I have reviewed the content of the discussions between my Department and the European Commission on this subject. The Commission has accepted that the measures proposed by the Government would meet the requirements of article 6(4) of the habitats directive.

Secondary information