§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to prevent agricultural damage in England caused by Canada geese; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesFarmers are free to control geese during the open season using methods not prohibited by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. During the close season, from 1 February to 31 August, the Ministry may grant licences to permit the control of Canada geese in order to prevent serious agricultural damage. Advice to farmers on the most suitable and effective methods of control of Canada geese is available from the Agricultural Development Advisory Service, the Ministry's wildlife advisers. Ministry funded research into more effective control of Canada geese has developed a simple method of making Canada goose eggs unviable without causing undue suffering to the adult birds. Research is also being 827W undertaken on the population dynamics and movements of Canada geese to provide background for future studies on the effects of various control methods on population size and movement.