§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his Department's estimate of the size of the duck population presently maintained by his Department on the artificial lake at the child benefit centre in Washington New Town; and what is the annual cost of supplying ducks and the necessary amenities for this duck community.
§ Mr. MarksThere are about 12 pairs of ducks on this artificial lake. Most of the initial cost was borne by staff working in the centre; my Department contributed £32.40; it also paid £130 for four geese and two swans. The annual future cost of supplying ducks is nil because they reproduce in sufficient numbers. The birds are fed on a voluntary basis by the staff at the centre, but my Department contributes just under £10 per month to the cost of supplementary feed.