To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the outcome of the natural heritage designations review discussion paper. [3823]

[holding answer 23 June 1997]: We have received almost 80 responses to the discussion paper published last year following the Review of Natural Heritage Designations. Many of these responses are of considerable length and include detailed comments on the issues raised in the discussion paper. We are currently giving careful consideration to all the points made by respondents before taking decisions on the need for changes to the present system of land-based natural heritage designations in use in Scotland.