§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications for licences to kill herons were received in 1983, 1984 and so far in 1985; how many licences were granted; what were the locations; how many birds were allowed to be killed in each case; how many were actually killed; what deterrent advice was given; and what were the reasons for granting and refusing licences.
§ Mr. John MackayThe details are as follows:
- a. Applications received, 1983: 5, 1984: 6, 1985: 4
- b. Licences granted, 1983: 5, 1984: 6, 1985: Nil so far
- c. Locations (by admibernistrative region)
1983 Dumfries and Galloway 1 Highland 1 Tayside 2 Fife 1 TOTAL 5 1984: Dumfries and Galloway 2 Highland 1 Tayside 3 TOTAL 6
- d. No limits were placed on the numbers of birds to be killed.
- e. Numbers killed under licence:
Location Number 1983 Dumfries and Galloway 16 Highland 3 Tayside 13 Fife 2 TOTAL 34 1984: 34 Dumfries and Galloway 28 Highland 2 Tayside 14 TOTAL 44
- f. The advice of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds was made generally available to all applicants for licences.
- g. Licences were issued in 1983 and 1984 to prevent damage to framed trout stocks. The applications for licences for 1985 are under consideration.