§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what efforts have been made by Her Majesty's Government to secure an end to the killing of song thrushes in France; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyEC directive 79/409 on the conservation of wild birds requires all member states to protect migratory and other birds, including song thrushes. It is for member states to introduce their own legislation implementing the directive, and to ensure that it is applied effectively.
The Government fully support the directive and its enforcement. It is primarily the responsibility of the EC Commission to monitor that adequate measures have been taken by each member state to comply with the terms of the directive. A dispute over these matters may be settled by the European Court of Justice.