27. Mr. Skeffington-Lodggeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Government vermin trappers are destroying buzzards in Argyll at a rate of over 50 a year; and why these rare birds are not preserved.
§ Mr. WoodburnAccording to my information there has been no destruction of buzzards by Government vermin trappers on anything approaching the scale suggested by the hon. Member. I shall, however, be glad to look into any particulars which he may wish to send me. As regards the second part of the Question, my information is that this bird is by no means rare in Argyll, but any representations by the county council that special protection should be given to it in the County Wild Birds Protection Order will receive careful consideration.
Mr. Skeffington-LodggeWhether my figure is strictly accurate or not, is my right hon. Friend aware that Argyll alone among the Highland counties fails to give protection to this interesting bird; and will 812 he use his influence to see that Argyll comes into line with the other counties in Scotland, unless the bird is to be eliminated altogether in that part of Great Britain?
§ Mr. WoodburnAs this bird is considered to be a help to farmers, no doubt Argyll will take account of my hon, Friend's suggestion.
§ Major McCallumIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Argyll buzzards are very numerous; that if their number were reduced by 50 a year it would not be noticed in the buzzard population; and that in Argyll we shall not be persuaded to include buzzards in the protected category?