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Welsh Office

Answer

Mr. Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what advice he has received from the Countryside Council for Wales with regard to the proposed rebuilding of the Welsh Highland Railway through Snowdonia, with particular reference to (a) the impact on the site of special scientific interest at the Aberglaslyn Pass and (b) the visual impact of signs required by the Railway Inspectorate. [56927] Mr. Jon Owen Jones: The decision in this case will be taken by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions who has received a representation from the Countryside Council for Wales on the proposed Welsh Highland Railway Order. The CCW did not object to the project in principle but raised a number of issues for consideration by the Secretary of State, including a recommendation that no planting or seeding should be carried out on the exposures at the Aberglaslyn SSSI. They did not comment on the visual impact of signs but other parties raised this issue and it was considered by the Inspector at the public local inquiry into the scheme. I understand that my right hon. Friend has received the Inspector's Report and is considering it.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

318 c189-90W; 56927

Session

1997-98

Subjects

Construction Countryside Council for Wales Environment protection Railways Railway network Wales Snowdonia Welsh Highland Railway