§ Mr. SoamesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to conduct a deer count in West Sussex. [85774]
§ Mr. Meacher[holding answer 8 June 1999]Visual censuses have been conducted in the West Sussex area for a number of years by the local Deer Management Group. However, this method of census is notoriously inaccurate and the Forestry Commission have been investigating alternative methods. As part of these trials the study area in West Sussex between Eatham and Buriton was surveyed at night during April 1999 using thermal imaging equipment. The results are currently being analysed and will be available shortly.