§ 34. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the extent of the culling of young seals.
§ Mr. HoyThere have been no official culls of seal pups around the coast of England and Wales since 1965. Contractors employed by the Eastern Sea Fisheries Committee shot a number of adult seals near Great Yarmouth last year.
§ Mr. WallIs it not a fact that anyone can shoot the common seal? Is it not about time that legislation was passed to protect the seal, because there is evidence of considerable cruelty and considerable public concern? Will the Minister consider a system of hunting licences?
§ Mr. HoyThe Government are always concerned about cruelty to any type of animal. The seal is not excepted. As the hon. Gentleman knows, there is a possibility of legislation being introduced. Indeed, a noble Lord introduced a Bill in another place last Session. Perhaps there will be a follow-up of that Bill.
§ Mr. BodyHas the Parliamentary Secretary made any inquiries into the unofficial culling of common seals?
§ Mr. HoyI cannot add anything to what I have already said. However, I take this opportunity to inform the House that we are not free agents. There are difficulties of access. If we are to deal with grey seals we must get the permission of such bodies as the National Trust. Unless we secure that permission, there is nothing we can do about it.