Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations she has received from (a) the Scottish Government, (b) its Executive Agencies and (c) its Non Departmental Public Bodies on which areas to designate as Highly Protected Marine Areas.

The Scottish Government has the powers to designate MPAs and HPMAs in Scottish inshore waters (up to 12 nautical miles from the coast). The designation of MPAs and HPMAs in offshore waters (more than 12 nautical miles from the coast) are reserved to the UK Government and we work closely with the Scottish Government on matters related to the offshore area. No representation have been received from Scottish Government or others regarding which areas to designate as HPMAs