To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals his Department has for the future management and conservation of national nature reserves in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [34270]

National nature reserves will continue to be managed to maintain or enhance their natural interest.In light of the establishment of a next steps agency for the Environment on 1 April 1996, the Department will explore the possibility of the management of those reserves which it owns or leases, being transferred to other competent organisations. This would be within the framework of a defined conservation regime.