HL Deb 20 March 2000 vol 611 cc7-9

2.55 p.m.

Lord Beaumont of Whitley asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to eradicate feral cats from Ascension Island in pursuance of their obligation under the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

My Lords, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has agreed to fund a £30,000 feral cat control programme on Ascension Island. That should kill 90 to 95 per cent of the feral cat population. The control programme will promote a successful breeding season for sooty terns on Ascension.

With our non-governmental organisation partners, especially the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, we are seeking funding for the Ascension Island management plan. The plan includes an invasive species eradication programme. Any remaining feral cats will be picked up by that eradication project.

Lord Beaumont of Whitley

My Lords, I am delighted to learn that the Government have had the sense to enter into partnership with the RSPB and to take it up on its offer to clear the island of feral cats. Are they aware that there are in the St Helena dependencies some of the most important biodiversity treasures in the world and that this is an important test of their willingness to put forward enough money—and by the standard of most issues which are discussed in this House it is minor—to ensure that the programme works?

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

My Lords, we are taking the issue most seriously. The noble Lord is correct in saying that we should be rightly concerned with the biodiversity of the region. The initiative is part of the Ascension Island management plan. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office are seeking funding for the plan, which will need in the region of £1.5 million.

Baroness Gardner of Parkes

My Lords, is the Minister aware that in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia a somewhat unusual professor, who wears a hat made from a cat and says that the only good cat is a dead one, has fenced off an area of 25 acres in order to keep out feral predators such as cats and foxes? The scheme has been so successful that platypuses and other animals which had found it almost impossible to breed are multiplying in the enclosed, safe area. Is she further aware that feral cats are a danger not only to birds but to mammals? Scores of Australian mammals have been wiped out this century, almost more than in any other country in the world.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

My Lords, your Lordships will be surprised to know that I was not so aware, but, as always, I am most grateful to the noble Baroness for drawing it to my attention. Regrettably, it is not possible to erect fencing in the Ascension Islands. There are more than 1,200 cats, only 300 of which are domestic, and 900 people. Therefore, regrettably, fencing is not promoted.

Baroness Fookes

My Lords, may I make a plea that the unfortunate cats are dealt with humanely? If the Government are calling on the RSPB, perhaps they can also call on the RSPCA or a similar organisation for advice on the matter.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

My Lords, I am pleased to be able to tell the noble Baroness that such advice has been sought. In the plan, we are assured that the most humane method of disposing of the cats will be undertaken. However, I should tell your Lordships that we need to sweep away the cats in order to protect the sooty terns.