§ Mr. LeslieTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he plans to restrict the use of lead shot over wetlands. [22085]
§ Mr. MeacherMy Department is considering the best legislative options to prohibit the use of lead shot over wetlands in the United Kingdom. Legislation will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time permits. This will enable the United Kingdom to meet its commitment under the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement to endeavour to phase out lead shot over wetlands by the year 2000. In the meantime the voluntary phase out of the use of lead shot over wetlands will continue.