Birds of Prey

HC Deb 27 July 1983 vol 46 cc469-70W

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many prosecutions under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 have been initiated by his Department as the result of registration infringements relating to birds of prey in captivity.

Mr. Waldegrave

None. Prosecutions under section 7 of the Act are initiated by the police on the basis of information provided by the Department. The RSPB and other organisations act similarly. I understand that several prosecutions are pending; I am aware of one successful prosecution to date.

Mr. Kenneth Carlisle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the number of birds of prey in captivity registered under section 7 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Mr. Waldegrave

Since initial application of the registration provisions, approximately 6,500 adult captive hawks have been registered with the Department. By the end of the current breeding season it is estimated that a further 1,500 to 2,000 young birds will have been registered.