§ 2.42 p.m.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what differences have still to be resolved between Member States about the European Commission Directive for the conservation of wild birds; which birds it is now proposed should be sold commercially without restriction; and whether it is anticipated that the Directive will be formally approved at the next meeting of the Environment Council.
§ Baroness STEDMANMy Lords, the main difference of view on this draft Directive which has still to be resolved relates to the sale of game species. The working group has had two recent meetings on this issue, but unfortunately little progress has been made. However, we still hope that the Directive will be ready for final approval at the next meeting of the Environment Council, and possibly earlier, and we are giving it strong support.
Lord CHELWOODMy Lords, that is good news. Does the noble Baroness agree that if this Directive can be applied it will be a major step forward where wild bird protection is concerned, and will not present any serious problems from the point of view of United Kingdom law? But in view of the fact that there is disagreement about two matters—that is, the sale of live and dead birds and the keeping and caging of birds—is it possible that, rather than risk losing the whole Directive, which is very important, Her Majesty's Government will consider putting forward a compromise, bearing in mind that something like 90 per cent. of the Directive is already agreed?
§ Baroness STEDMANMy Lords, I accept what the noble Lord said in the first part of his question. Accepting a compromise is usually the way in which EEC negotiations go and, if they cannot 925 get all the way, Her Majesty's Government will accept a compromise solution. But we still hope that we might get all the way.