HL Deb 08 March 1982 vol 428 c105WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they accept the findings and recommendations of the Nature Conservancy Council's report on lead poisoning in swans, and, if so:

  1. (a) who will be responsible for implementing the phased withdrawal of split-lead-shot and lead weights within the next five years; and
  2. (b) whether they will monitor the success or otherwise of any action adopted to reduce the level of swan mortality caused by split-lead-shot and fishing weights, and what resources will they make available for this purpose.

The Earl of Avon

The Government have welcomed the Nature Conservancy Council's report on lead poisoning in swans. The report looks to the possibility of split-lead-shot being phased out on a voluntary basis. The Government have already been greatly encouraged by the constructive attitude to the report shown by the angling community, especially towards publicity for the excellent code prepared by the National Anglers' Council. It will be for the Nature Conservancy Council to monitor progress and to meet its resource needs for this from within the funds voted by Parliament.