PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Marine Conservation Zones (6 December 2017)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 23 November 2017 to Question 115500, for what reasons a new consultation is being undertaken on the designation of the third tranche of marine conservation zones; what aspect of the designation is under consultation and which (a) individuals and (b) organisations are being consulted.

Asked by:
Kerry McCarthy (Labour)

Public consultation prior to designation is a legal requirement under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. This has not yet happened. The consultation is due to start in the first half of 2018, with designation taking place within 12 months and is expected to happen in 2019.

The responsibility for marine protected areas is devolved. The Devolved Administrations keep each other and Defra informed of their plans for marine protected areas.

Answered by:
Dr Thérèse Coffey (Conservative)
14 December 2017