§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what use he has made of his powers, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, to grant to marine fish farmers licences for the shooting of seals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythMy right hon. and learned Friend has granted licences to marine fish farmers only under section 10(1)(c)(i) of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 for the prevention of damage to fisheries.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland with which interested parties he consults before issuing, under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, licences to kill seals; how many of these licences have been issued in each of the past 17 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythMy right hon. and learned Friend consults the Natural Environment Research Council on his policy regarding the granting of licences to shoot seals.
369WI regret that information relating to the numbers of licences issued in each of the past 17 years is not available.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he has any plans to introduce legislation to exempt fishermen and marine fish farmers under section 9 of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, from the prohibition order, issued under section 3 of the aforesaid Act, which outlaws the killing, injuring or taking of common seals around the coast-line; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he has any plans to seek to amend the Conservation of Seals act 1970, in terms of the current licensing system and other matters relating to the indentification of the periods of protection, afforded at different times of the year to the grey seal and the common seal; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he has plans to seek to extend section 9 of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, so as to cover marine fish-farm cages; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythMy right hon. and learned Friend has no present plans to amend the Conservation of Seals Act 1970.