§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has received a report from the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology claiming that a large number of relatively rare birds of prey are being illegally shot or poisoned; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Harry EwingNo report has been received from the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology but I am aware that a paper has been published on the dispersal and causes of death of buzzards. The Protection of Birds Acts 1954–1967 provide for the protection of all wild birds, their nests and eggs, subject to certain limited exceptions, namely game birds—outwith the close season—and harmful birds—included in Schedule 2 to the 1954 Act. Buzzards are a protected species and the police will investigate any case of alleged illegal shooting or poisoning of protected birds reported to them.