HC Deb 02 June 1980 vol 985 cc1036-7
19. Sir Anthony Royle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many deer were killed or injured in Richmond Park through motor accidents in monthly total, covering the last 12 months during the years 1970 to 1979; and what action he is taking or intends to take in order to reduce the death toll.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Hector Monro)

A total of 56 deer were killed or injured in traffic accidents in Richmond Park in the year ending May 1980, compared with 27 in the previous year.

With permission, I will circulate some further statistics in the Official Report.

In autumn last year the Department displayed notices in the park, and increased the number of police mobile patrols. Wildlife warning reflectors have been installed, and accidents have since declined. We are keeping the situation under close review.

Sir. A. Royle

We appreciate very much the efforts that my hon. Friend and his Department are making to deal with this massacre of deer in Richmond Park. Will he give an assurance that during the summer months he will consult widely to make certain that next winter yet further steps are taken to ensure that this damaging reduction in the numbers of the herd does not continue?

Mr. Monro

I thank my hon. Friend for the keen interest and wise advice that he has given my Department over the last year. The important point about next winter is that the Petersham Road should be open from October this year and therefore the pressure on the park in the evenings should be reduced. However, I shall of course continue to take all possible steps and hold consultations between now and the winter.

Mr. Crouch

Is my hon. Friend aware that in my constituency concern is not for the deer but for my constituents who have been killed as a result of the escape of Nilgai Indian deer from zoo parks in my constituency

Mr. Monro

I know of the case referred to by my hon. Friend, and a very sad event it was. However, I have written to my hon. Friend and he has received advice from his chief constable. He knows the limited steps that can be taken.

Following are the statistics:

THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE NUMBERS OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING DEATH OR INJURY TO DEER IN RICHMOND PARK

1976–77 1977–78 1978–79 1979–80
June 3 4 3 8
July 3 2 2 8
August 3 1 3 6
September 1 1 5
October 2 7 5 9
November 1 2 1 7
December 1 1 3
January 1 2
February 3(1) 2
March 4 4
April 1 2 1
May 2 2 3 1(2)
TOTAL 16 21 27 56
Notes:
(1). Petersham Road closed.
(2). To 27th May 1980
Records prior to June 1976 are not available.