§ Tom BrakeTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures are in place to(a) stop wild birds of prey being illegally sold in the United Kingdom and (b) detect and prosecute those responsible for the illegal sale of wild birds of prey; and what further action is planned. [4167]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 16 July 2001]: Legislation is already in place prohibiting the sale of most birds of prey species, unless a licence has been issued by my Department or one of the devolved Administrations. People found guilty of sales offences could face an unlimited fine and/or a prison sentence of up to two years.
Responsibility for enforcing the controls rests primarily with the police service. Most forces now have at least one part-time Wildlife Liaison Officer who would normally investigate these offences. The Department actively supports investigating officers, by providing information about the licences and permits it has issued, and from its bird registration system. It also manages a panel of Wildlife Inspectors, who check compliance with certain wildlife controls.
The Department also co-chairs the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime, comprising all the main Government and voluntary organisations committed to combating crimes against wildlife. The Partnership is taking forward a range of initiatives to raise awareness of wildlife crime and to support the work of police officers. One of its main priorities is to take forward work to establish a dedicated unit to tackle wildlife crime at national level.