Written question asked by Doug Naysmith (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 30 January 2001. It was answered by Bob Ainsworth (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 January 2001 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, if he will delay confirming designations of approach channels and ports in the Severn and Humber estuaries, under the European Habitats and Birds Directive, until a common approach to such designations has been agreed with all European member states; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Dr. Naysmith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will delay confirming designations of approach channels and ports in the Severn and Humber estuaries, under the European Habitats and Birds Directive, until a common approach to such designations has been agreed with all European member states; and if he will make a statement. [147790] Mr. Robert Ainsworth: If sites merit selection on scientific grounds, member states are obliged to transmit them to the Commission (in the case of Special Areas of Conservation) or designate them (in the case of Special Protection Areas). Consultations are continuing on the Humber and Severn and I cannot comment, therefore, on the areas included or the merits of these particular proposals.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 147790; 362 c127W;362 c128W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: EU law Estuaries Ports Nature conservation Special protection areas Severn estuary Special areas of conservation Humber estuary
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk