asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in respect of the Nature Conservancy Council's establishment of sites of special scientific interest, he will introduce a consultative procedure including the water authorities and established angling clubs where their fishing rights are likely to be affected; and if he will make a statement.

Any notification, as being of special interest, of a site owned or occupied by a water authority is made to that water authority. The Nature Conservancy Council and the National Anglers Council are preparing joint guidelines for the management of fishing activities within sites of special scientific interest and have agreed to meet regularly to exchange information and views. I endorse this approach and see no need for more formal consultation arrangements.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will set up an appeals procedure against Nature Conservancy Council's decisions on the establishing of sites of special scientific interest, allowing for access to such a procedure for the angling fraternity where its sport is liable to be affected; and if he will make a statement.

No. The question of a right of appeal has been considered and rejected during the passage of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and subsequently by the House of Commons Select Committee on the Environment. I am satisfied that existing procedures are adequate.