§ Mr. David Jamesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what additional powers he has, and under what statute to protect Nessiteras Rhombopteryx should he deem the need to arise; and if 217W he will make a statement on the standard of proof he would demand to exercise them.
§ Mr. William RossUnder the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act 1975 I have power, on a representation from the Nature Conservancy Council, to make an Order adding any wild creature to the list of protected wild creatures in the Schedule to the Act if it appears to me to be necessary to do so in the interests of the proper conservation of wild creatures. It would be for the Nature Conservancy Council therefore to take the lead in making a representation. It has the appropriate professional staff to assess the validity of any evidence for the existence of the creature referred to by the hon. Member.