HC Deb 31 October 1988 vol 139 cc474-5W
Mr. Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to make an order under section 3 of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 to prohibit all killing of seals.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

With the agreement of my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary will lay two orders under section 3 of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970.

The Conservation of Seals (Common Seals) Order 1988 will prohibit the killing, injuring or taking of common seals (Phoca Vitalina) in Great Britain and its coastal waters. The Conservation of Seals (England and Wales) Order 1988 will give the same protection to grey seals (Hailchoerus Grypus) in England and Wales in their coastal waters.

Both orders will come into effect in December and will run for two years. They will be reviewed next summer to ensure that they remain necessary.