Grey Seals

HC Deb 29 November 1960 vol 631 cc36-7W

Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the clubbing of grey seals is an authorised method of killing.

Mr. Maclay

Clubbing is one of the methods permitted by the regulations scheduled to the Grey Seals Protection (Scotland) (Suspension of Close Season) Order, 1959, but no permit issued this year has permitted clubbing. The Order to continue the suspension for a further twelve months, which has lain before the House in draft, does not include clubbing as a permitted method.

Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland on which islands in Orkney the killing of grey seals was permitted this autumn.

Mr. Maclay

Permits were granted for varying parts of the period from 1st September to 3rd December, 1960, and for varying areas to different individuals in respect of the following islands in Orkney: Mainland; Auskerry; Copinsay; Eynhallow; Gairsay; Little Green Holm; Muckle Green Holm; North Ronaldsay; Pentland Skerries; Rousay (part); Ruskholm; Seal Skerry (near Eday); South Ronaldsay (part); Holms of Spurness; Sweyn Holm; Swona; Vasa Skerry; and Wartholm. A permit covering the whole of Orkney was granted to an official of the Nature Conservancy for research purposes.

Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why the tails of grey seals are preserved by the killing parties.

Mr. Maclay

I assume for record. There is no requirement in the permits which I issue that the tails of grey seals should be preserved.

Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is done with the skins of grey seals killed in Orkney; and what permits for shooting have been issued to local men who sell seal skins in Orkney and Shetland.

Mr. Maclay

The disposal of the skins of grey seals killed in Orkney or elsewhere is a matter for those holding permits allowing them to destroy the seals. The skins of 20 of the seals taken in the course of the Department's experimental cull in Orkney this year were removed for further examination. One permit has been granted to an Orkney resident and seven to Shetland residents, some of whom are understood to sell seal skins.