§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to deal with the problems associated with culicoides impunctalis, the Scottish biting midge; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 26 June 1992]: I have no such plans. The ability of culicoides impunctatus to cause discomfort and disruption is well known, but it is a dominant part of Scottish wildlife and possible measures to control or eradicate the species have to take account of the need to avoid harming the wider environment.
§ Mr. GalbraithTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research his Department sponsors on the Scottish biting midge, culicoides impunctalis; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 26 June 1992]: The Scottish Office is not sponsoring any such research at present, but I am aware of current research being funded by other bodies, for example at the university of Aberdeen.