Deer Sanctuaries

HC Deb 23 March 2004 vol 419 c695W

Mr. Gray

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will introduce an active management plan on deer sanctuaries in co-operation with neighbouring land managers. [160174]

Mr. Bradshaw

The management of wildlife on privately owned land is primarily the responsibility of the relevant landowner, and it has not been the policy of this or previous governments to become actively involved unless the landowner is the recipient of funds from the public purse or if the landowner is in breach of his / her legal obligations.

As the larger deer species range widely we encourage neighbouring landowners to co-operate in managing deer if agricultural damage or other problems arise. Advice on deer and guidance on preparing management plans are available from the Deer Initiative (Tel: [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail]; www. thedeerinitiative.co.uk).