HC Deb 09 November 1962 vol 666 cc109-11W
Mr Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the result of the investigation into the movement of grey seals from Orkney and their effects upon salmon fishing; and what are the figures for the numbers of salmon caught in Northern Scottish rivers this year.

Mr. Noble

I understand that tagging experiments have shown that Orkney seals penetrate as far south as Fife Ness and that the investigations so far carried out have established that grey seals harm salmon fishing by damaging nets, by damaging or releasing their catch and generally by consuming salmon as well as other fish. The evidence at present available does not however enable the extent of the harm done to be fully assessed. As the statutory returns of salmon caught in the 1962 season have not yet been received, I cannot give the figures asked for by the right hon. Member.

Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland by what authority grey seals were moved under Government arrangements by helicopter from Orkney; at whose expense this was done; and if he will give an assurance that helicopters are always available for the carriage of hospital patients when requested and that they have priority over such uses.

Mr. Noble

I understand that seals were recently conveyed by helicopter from an island in Orkney to Hatston airport by arrangement between the Grey Seals Research Officer of the Nature Conservancy and the Fleet Air Arm. The operation was undertaken by the Fleet Air Arm as a useful training exercise. The Grey Seals Research Officer has a permit from me to kill seals in Orkney and to take a limited number of live seals but otherwise I have no responsibility in the matter.

As regards the last part of the Question, Services' helicopters provide for the transport of hospital patients in emergency, subject only to the needs of their primary task of search and rescue for the Armed Forces.

Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many young grey seals are to be slaughtered in Orkney this year during the breeding season; and to whom licences have been issued.

Mr. Noble

The Consultative Committee, which is supervising research on grey seals and fisheries has recommended that the breeding population in Orkney should be reduced by one quarter in a period of five years and that this year 750 pups should be killed. Permits to kill grey seals in specified areas in Orkney for the current season have accordingly been issued to six seal hunters resident there. The Grey Seals Research Officer has also been given a permit to kill seals for the purpose of obtaining anatomical specimens required for research.