§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what scientific evidence he has that fox destruction clubs are actually reducing lamb losses; how the extent of economic loss compares with expenditure on funding fox destruction clubs; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Sir Hector MonroStudies carried out by the Scottish Office and others indicate that between 1 per cent. and 2 per cent. of viable lambs may be predated by foxes. Losses at the level of 1 per cent. would represent some £1.2 million per annm compared with grants amounting to £70,068 in 1993–94. If foxes are numerous, predation on lambs may increase. The fox destruction clubs have been successful in reducing the numbers of foxes by between 3,500 and 4,000 a year mainly before and during the lambing period. A further study of this matter is neither necessary nor would it be practicable at reasonable cost.