asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to protect the Ribble estuary from reclamation; and if he will make a statement.

My right hon. Friend is aware of the outstanding importance of this estuary for nature conservation. The Nature Conservancy Council is, with his full support, negotiating to acquire that area of the estuary which was recently purchased with the aim of reclamation.My right hon. Friend has approved directions made by the local authorities concerned which require the owners to seek planning permission before they can carry out any reclamation work.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to protect the Ribble estuary, a sanctuary for wild birds, from redevelopment.

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave today to the hon. Member for Staffordshire, South-West (Mr. Cormack).