asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has plans to introduce measures to protect the European pearl mussel, margaritefera margaritefera.

The Nature Conservancy Council has recently recommended protection for the pearl mussel (margaritefera margaritefera) following its quinquennial review of protected animals and plants covered by schedules 5 and 8 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Secretary of State is currently considering that recommendation in the light of representations received from other interested parties, with a view to announcing his decision by the summer.