§ 6 After Clause 35, insert the following new clause:
§ Evidence as to taking or destruction of eggs.
§ 1981 c. 69
§ 'After section 19 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 there shall be inserted the following section—
§ "Evidence in Scotland as to taking or destruction of eggs.
§ 19A. In any proceedings in Scotland for an offence under section 1(1) (c) of, or by virtue of section 3(1) (a) (iii) of, this Act, the accused may be convicted on the evidence of one witness."&
§ The Lord Advocate (Lord Rodger of Earlsferry)My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 6.
The amendment introduces a new clause which relaxes the requirement for corroboration in closely defined areas; namely, cases relating to the taking or destruction of an egg of any wild bird, contrary to the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The nature of these offences and the circumstances in which they tend to be committed are such that it is often particularly difficult to find corroboration and obtain a conviction under the present provisions. The amendment should enable more successful prosecutions to be mounted and, accordingly, have a deterrent effect on potential offenders.
Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 6.—(Lord Rodger of Earlsferry.)
§ Baroness NicolMy Lords, I welcome this amendment. As a member of the Council of the RSPB, 442 I have been aware of a number of prosecutions with which it has been impossible to proceed, for want of this provision. I am therefore glad to see it in the Bill.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.