§ Mr. Kenneth Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many licences, and in what areas and locations, have been granted to permit the killing of herons; if the advice of the Nature Conservancy Council was sought in each case before a licence was issued; and whether that advice was ignored in any instance.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe Nature Conservancy Council advised that licences might be granted to freshwater fish farmers to kill herons where other deterrent techniques have proved unsuccessful. Licences have been granted to five fish farmers; one in each of Fife, Dumfries and Galloway, and Highland and two in Tayside. My right hon. Friend is not required to consult the Nature Conservancy Council about the issue of any particular licence.
§ Mr. Kenneth Carlisleasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the locations where licences to permit the control of cormorants have been issued; whether the alleged damage was investigated before the licences were issued; and whether the advice of the Nature Conservancy Council was sought over the granting of each licence.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe Nature Conservancy Council advised that applications to shoot cormorants for the protection of fisheries should be entertained only when they come from those individuals with a direct interest in the fisheries who gave information about the nature of the damage caused. They also advised that shooting should 535W not be permitted in coastal waters or at inland breeding colonies. Thirty three licences have been issued to shoot cormorants—six in Dumfries and Galloway, two in the Borders; 13 in the Highlands, two in Grampian, seven in Tayside, and three in Strathclyde. Individual reports of damage are not investigated. My right hon. Friend is not required to consult the Nature Conservancy Council about the issue of any particular licence.