§ 11. Mr. Desmond Swayne (New Forest, West)What representations he has received regarding his proposed regulations on the use of lead shot. [85789]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Mr. Alan Meale)As of 27 May 1999 my Department has received a total of approximately 400 representations on the proposed regulations on the use of lead shot. My officials are currently analysing the responses.
§ Mr. SwayneThe Minister will be aware of the diminution of liberty that has arisen over recent years as a consequence of the raft of officials who now have access to our homes. Will he play his part in turning that tide by amending the regulations so that they are enforceable only by properly authorised police officers? Will he also consider removing from the species list the common snipe and the golden plover, and consider whether there are sites of special scientific interest that are not entirely appropriate for the regulations and remove them from the sites list?
§ Mr. MealeI thank the hon. Gentleman. I remind him that, for a long time, the Prime Minister has led a better regulation committee. I can confirm that it is the Government's intention that the main enforcing authority for such regulations would be the police. Along with the outcome of the consultations, all the hon. Gentleman's representations, which have been made not only today but previously in writing, will be considered in due course.
§ Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow)Has the Minister met the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds on the matter? If so, what was the outcome?
§ Mr. MealeI am currently not at liberty to inform my hon. Friend of the outcome, but I give a commitment to reply to him in writing.