HL Deb 27 April 1977 vol 382 cc681-2WA
The Earl of CRANBROOK

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many otters were known to the Nature Conservancy Council on the 25th April 1977 to have been killed, injured or taken during each of the years 1975 and 1976 under circumstances which made it an offence had the otter been included in Schedule 1 of the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act 1975 in (a) the area within the lines adjoining London, Gloucester, Preston and Goole; (b) the remainder of England and Wales. By whom were they killed, injured or taken and where?

Baroness STEDMAN

The only definite evidence available is that five otters were reported killed by hunts in Great Britain in 1975 and 1976 respectively. However, the Nature Conservancy Council has reason to believe that substantial numbers of otters are killed in other circumstances.

House adjourned at two minutes before nine o'clock.