HC Deb 18 March 1963 vol 674 cc17-9W
Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what decision Her Majesty's Government have taken to reduce the breeding potential of grey

the past three years and for those now under construction.

Mr. Wood

This information for England and Wales is given in the tables below. I have asked my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland to write to my hon. Friend about the Scottish position.

seals on the Orkney and Farne Islands; and by what amount.

Mr. Noble

The Consultative Committee on Grey Seals and Fisheries, whose report was published on 5th March, recommended that, with a view to reducing the breeding stock of grey seals in Orkney by one quarter over a period of five years, 750 should be shot in the first year and thereafter a number to be determined in the light of experience. In accordance with these recommendations in the 1962 close season, permits were issued to seal hunters in Orkney to kill seals in certain islands and 746 were shot. I shall consider what arrangements should be made for next season in the light of advice contained in the report and of any further advice which may be given by the Consultative Committee. Action in relation to the Fame Islands is a matter for my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

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