HC Deb 27 July 1977 vol 936 cc365-6W
Mr. Hardy

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has received further information from the Nature Conservancy Council to enable him to decide whether to add the otter to Schedule 1 to the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act 1975.

Mr. Marks

The Nature Conservancy Council has written to me again on this matter. The Council's advice is that the otter has become so rare that its status as a British wild creature is endangered in England and Wales by a variety of factors. It is the NCC's considered opinion that any future killing, injuring, taking or attempting these actions constitute an increased threat to this status. The Council is therefore convinced that on present evidence it is justified in making a recommendation under Section 7 of the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act, namely, that it is necessary in the interest of the proper conservation of the otter for my right hon. Friend to add it to Schedule 1 to the Act in respect of England and Wales.

In the light of this recommendation, he is disposed to make such an order under Section 7 of the Act to give statutory protection to the otter in England and Wales and the Department will, therefore, immediately begin the necessary consultations.