Hon. Members have raised some interesting and useful points. I shall try to deal with them one by one.

The word ''solely'' was mentioned. Does it preclude other activity within the nature reserve? Not at all. It draws a distinction between proposed subsections (1)(a) and (1)(b), in order to preserve the original purpose of nature reserves. It is important when we think about nature reserves to remember that their primary and ultimate purpose is to preserve that precious natural environment. The use of the word ''or'' in the amendment adds the recreational purpose to the conservation purpose; thus, management for enjoyment or recreation does not become a necessary requirement before land can become a nature reserve. There is nothing to prevent other legitimate uses of the land from continuing as at present, provided that they do not prevent its management for the purposes of a nature reserve. The good management of the land through farming or the creation of habitats for shooting would be appropriate as part of the management of the reserve, to protect its special conservation status.

The hon. Member for South-East Cambridgeshire suggested that proposed subsection (2) might be too narrow. I point him towards the word ''or'' at the end of subsection (2)(a). It is clearly not just about providing suitable conditions for study and research. The ''or'' is about  

''preserving flora, fauna or geological or physiographical features of special interest in the area.''

Ultimately, that is what we need to safeguard in our nature reserves.

Finally, on the questions in respect of recreational purposes and shooting, we envisage such forms of enjoyment as walking, cycling, educational workshops, art and woodcraft activities and poetry events. Some reserves have audio, tactile and visual interpretation experiences to enhance the public's enjoyment of them, and in some places people enjoy the areas by carrying out sports such as angling and shooting. So long as the activities are in sympathy with the conservation and good management of the reserve, they certainly count as recreational. I hope that, on that basis, hon. Members will be happy to support the amendment.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendments made: No. 150, in schedule 11, page 70, line 12, leave out paragraph 12 and insert—

'12 For section 15 (meaning of ''nature reserve'') substitute—

''15

Meaning of ''nature reserve''

(1) In this Part, ''nature reserve'' means—

(a) land managed solely for a conservation purpose, or

(b) land managed not only for a conservation purpose but also for a recreational purpose, if the management of the land for the recreational purpose does not compromise its management for the conservation purpose.

(2) Land is managed for a conservation purpose if it is managed for the purpose of—

(a) providing, under suitable conditions and control, special opportunities for the study of, and research into, matters relating to the fauna and flora of Great Britain and the physical conditions in which they live, and for the study of geological and physiographical features of special interest in the area, or

(b) preserving flora, fauna or geological or physiographical features of special interest in the area, or for both those purposes.

(3) Land is managed for a recreational purpose if it is managed for the purpose of providing opportunities for the enjoyment of nature or for open-air recreation.''.'.

No. 159, in schedule 11, page 71, line 42, at end insert—

'In section 64 (access agreements), omit subsection (5).'.

No. 149, in schedule 11, page 80, line 32, at end insert—

'( ) In that subsection, after the definition of ''poultry'', insert—

'' ''premises'' includes land (including buildings), movable structures, vehicles, vessels, aircraft and other means of transport;''.'.

No. 160, in schedule 11, page 84, line 21, leave out from 'Omit' to end of line 23 and insert '—

(a) Article 21 (committee of investigation), and

(b) Article 22 (action following report by committee of investigation).'.

No. 161, in schedule 11, page 90, line 9, at end insert—

'Agriculture (Northern Ireland) Order 1993 (S.I.1993/2665 (N.I10))

Omit Article 22 (functions of certain bodies in relation to agricultural marketing schemes).'.—[Jim Knight.]  

Question proposed, That this schedule, as amended, be the Eleventh schedule to the Bill.