HL Deb 29 January 2003 vol 643 cc165-6WA
Baroness Golding

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they support the eradication of the American mink.[HL1156]

Lord Whitty

American Mink is an invasive nonnative species with recognised impacts on a range of economic and biodiversity interests. They are widespread throughout the UK and eradication is not considered a reasonable prospect for the country as a whole. However, some locations in the UK provide special circumstances where eradication may be feasible, for example, the Hebrides where the Scottish authorities are undertaking a project which aims to achieve local mink eradication.

Mink are not protected from killing or taking, although they do benefit from the protection against the use of prohibited methods of control which is afforded to all mammals by Section 11(1) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wild Mammals Protection Act 1996.

Further consideration of the policy concerning eradication of mink and other non-active species will be made following the report of the Non-Native Species Policy Review which is expected to be published shortly.