Written question asked by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Monday, 4 September 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 September 2023. It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Monday, 11 September 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Blue Belt Programme and Marine Protected Areas

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much has been spent from the public purse on the (a) Blue Belt Programme and (b) domestic Marine Protected Area roll out around the UK in each of the last five years.

Answer: From 2018-19 to 2022-23, Blue Belt spend has been £7 million, £5.4 million, £6.9 million, £7.7 million and £7.7 million respectively. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) does not keep the detail of funding specifically devoted to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Defra's MPA team is funded through general administrative budgets to deliver management, monitoring and enforcement working alongside Defra's Arms Length Bodies.

Secondary information