Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Tuesday, 16 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 January 2004. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Tuesday, 6 January 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: 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. - Inc figures.

Answer: 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.

Secondary information