Farmland Birds (Hansard, 4 December 1997)

§ 4. Ms McCafferty
What measures he is putting in place to protect and encourage birdlife on farms. [17668]

§ Mr. Morley
Extensive measures are currently in place to protect and encourage birdlife on farms.

§ Ms McCafferty
Although I congratulate the Government on their commitment to biodiversity, which is in stark contrast to the almost lack of interest shown by former Conservative Ministers, I urge my hon. Friend to take particular account of the rapid decline in certain species of bird. In particular, the skylark population has declined by 54 per cent. in the past 20 years.[Interruption.] What further plans do the Government have to protect endangered species, so that bird lovers—[Interruption.]—can continue to enjoy all the species that are found in our country?[Interruption.]

§ Madam Speaker
Order. The hon. Lady should be able to put her question properly. I shall have no nonsense from male Opposition Members. Put your question properly, Ms McCafferty, and do not be intimidated.

§ Ms McCafferty
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am not intimidated—perhaps slightly confused, but certainly not intimidated. What are the Government's further plans to protect endangered birdlife so that it can continue to be enjoyed by bird lovers not only in my constituency but throughout Britain? What measures will the Government take to encourage farmers to take up such schemes?

§ Mr. Morley
My hon. Friend asks an important question about the decline of many formerly common farmland species. The Government are to introduce an arable stewardship pilot scheme that is designed to assist farmland bird species. We are also encouraging the pesticides forum to promote integrated crop management, which will reduce the amount of pesticides used. In addition, we are supporting a number of research and development schemes that address some of the issues behind the decline.

§ Mr. Baldry
The Minister will appreciate that it is much easier for farmers to have regard to birdlife when their holdings are being run profitably. It is difficult for many beef farmers to concentrate on birdlife or anything else when they face considerable economic difficulties. That was clearly evidenced by the prices in Banbury market yesterday because they were the lowest that anyone has known for a long time. Farmers are entitled to know what help the Government intend to seek for them from the European Union.

§ Madam Speaker
Order. That is not relevant to the question, which was about birdlife on farms. We shall take the next question.