§ Mr. LordTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies he is carrying out into song bird conservation and sparrowhawk predation; and if he will make a statement. [31194]
§ Mr. ClappisonThe nature conservation agencies are participating in a number of studies and action plans related to the conservation of a variety of song bird, and other, species. Contracts with the British Trust for Ornithology support the breeding bird survey, common bird census, nest record card system, and the constant effort ringing scheme—which assesses annual productivity and survival. No specific work is presently being funded into predation by sparrowhawks. Earlier studies have indicated that this is not a significant factor causing decline in national song bird populations.