§ Sir Hector Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many firearms and shotgun certificates have been cancelled by courts in Scotland under convictions for deer poaching in each of the last five years;
(2) what forfeitures have been ordered by courts in Scotland under convictions for deer poaching in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. RifkindI regret that this information is not available.
§ Sir Hector Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many persons have been charged with, and how many convicted of, offences under the Deer (Scotland) Act 1959; and what was the total amount of the penalties imposed, in each of the last five years;
(2) how many persons have been charged with, and how many convicted of, offences under the Licensing of Venison Dealers (Prescribed Forms etc.) and (Application Procedures etc.) (Scotland) Orders 1984.
§ Mr. RifkindThe table gives figures on offences relating to deer. A more detailed breakdown of such offences is not available.
229W
Persons proceeded against and convicted of deer offences 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 Persons proceeded against 45 57 36 40 59 Persons against whom a charge was proved 37 48 23 30 51 Sentence Imprisonment 2 4 1 2 5
1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 Fine 34 42 22 27 38 Probation — 1 — — — Admonished 1 1 — 1 1 Community service order — — — — 7
§ Sir Hector Monroasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is satisfied with the operation of the legislation relating to offences of poaching of deer in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RifkindThe additional offences and increased penalties introduced by the Deer (Amendments) (Scotland) Act 1982 have helped to increase the deterrents to poaching. The Act also introduced new provisions for the licensing of venison dealers, which were brought into effect from the beginning of 1985, and preliminary indications are that these provisions have helped the police to secure convictions. Overall, I consider that the legislation is working satisfactorily, but I shall of course keep the position under review.