PART 7MISCELLANEOUS

Reports to the Commission72.

(1)

In relation to the offshore marine area, the functions of sending to the Commission—

(a)

a report pursuant to Article 16(2) of the Habitats Directive (reports on derogations applied under Article 16(1) of the Habitats Directive), and

(b)

a report pursuant to Article 17(1) of the Habitats Directive (reports on the implementation of measures taken under the Habitats Directive),

are functions of the Secretary of State.

(2)

A report of the kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) must be prepared—

(a)

for the period beginning with the date of the commencement of these Regulations and ending on 31st December 2008; and

(b)

for every two-year period thereafter.

(3)

A report of the kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) must be prepared—

(a)

for the period beginning with the date of the commencement of these Regulations and ending on 31st December 2012; and

(b)

for every six-year period thereafter.

(4)

The Secretary of State must make such arrangements as he considers appropriate for a copy of any report provided to the Commission under paragraph (1)(b) to be made available for inspection by members of the public.