Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment,
Food and Rural Affairs (1) what measures he is taking to ensure that
regulators involved in determining Wightlink's application for shore
works on the Lymington River co-ordinate their separate
responsibilities to ensure full compliance with the EU Habitats
Directive is achieved; and if he will make a statement; [225981]
(2)
when he plans to respond to the letters of (a) 5 September and
(b) 19 September from the hon. Member for New Forest West on
the future of the Lymington River; [225982]
(3) what assessment he
has made of the request by New Forest District Council that the
application by Wightlink for shore works in the Lymington River be
the subject of a full environmental impact assessment; and if he will
make a statement. [226574]
Huw Irranca-Davies: The Marine
and Fisheries Agency is responsible for determining the application
for shore works on the Lymington river under the Food and Environment
Protection Act. However, its focus is the deposition of materials in
the sea. The delays in determining the decision are as a result of
ongoing discussions over the environmental impacts of the ferry
operations. There are many regulators involved in this wider project,
including Lymington Harbour Commissioners, New Forest district
council, Natural England and the Environment Agency. DEFRA is one of
the parties involved in the process of establishing who is
responsible for regulating the ferry operations in this area, and is
aware that a number of related environmental issues need to be
considered, potentially with an environmental impact assessment. The
Government office south-east will also be expected to play an
independent role in resolving the situation.
The Minister for the
Natural and Marine Environment, Wildlife and Rural Affairs plans to
respond to previous letters sent in September as soon as possible.
Desmond Swayne TD MP
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SW1A 0AA