§ Mr. Tierneyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has issued a licence under the Conservation of Seals Act to kill seals on the Farne Islands; if so, to whom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesAs in previous years I have issued a licence to the National Trust for a limited cull. This will enable the Trust to kill up to 50 bulls, 300 cows and any accompanying or starving pups, in furtherance of the management plan prepared by the Trust's advisers, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. I understand that the Trust is ready to explain the details of the operation and the ecological justification for the cull.