§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received anent the proposal for the designation of the basking shark as an endangered species; and if he will make a statement. [14623]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonThe Joint Nature Conservation Committee has recommended protection of the basking shark by adding it to schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The recommendation, part of a third quinquennial review of schedules 5 and 8 of the 1981 Act, has been presented to the Secretary of State for the Environment on the basis that the species is likely to become endangered unless such protection is implemented. The Scottish Office is participating in the Government's consideration of the recommendations.
The JNCC recommendations are presently the subject of a wide-ranging consultation exercise being carried out by the Department of the Environment. Any representations received will be given full consideration before any decision is taken.