HC Deb 02 April 1979 vol 965 c544W
Miss Fookes

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will institute an inquiry into the decline in the numbers of otters.

Mr. Denis Howell

Surveys are already being carried out in England, Wales and Scotland and the findings of these will be completed and reported on later in the year to allow assessment of future conservation requirements for this species. The otter will be included in the 1980 Nature Conservancy Council quinquennial review required by the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act 1975.