HL Deb 22 November 1983 vol 445 cc234-6WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What scientific studies they have carried out to demonstrate beyond doubt the need to license the killing of,

  1. (a) herons
  2. (b) cormorants
  3. (c) shags
  4. (d) goosanders and mergansers
in Scotland away from fish farms or similar installations; and whether they will arrange for the publication of this information in view of the requirements of EEC Directive 79/409 which protects these species and only permits their killing in order to prevent serious damage to fisheries.

Lord Gray of Contin

There have been no recently commissioned scientific studies of the impact of these particular species on fisheries.

My right honourable friend consults the Nature Conservancy Council about the granting of licences and the European Commission is informed of the numbers issued and the number of birds killed under authority of these licences.

Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are the populations of (a) herons and (b) cormorants in Britain: what percentage of these species' populations are found in Scotland; and what advice has been received from the Nature Conservancy Council over the killing of these species in Scotland.

Lord Gray of Contin

The Nature Conservancy Council's most recent survey of the cormorant population in Great Britain was in 1969–70. At that time there were estimated to be 3,670 pairs in Scotland, 1,400 pairs in Wales and 1,100 pairs in England. Their equivalent estimate for herons was in 1979 in respect of England and Wales, when there were 5,400 pairs and in 1977 for Scotland when there were 1,500 pairs.

The NCC advised the Secretary of State that licences might be granted to freshwater fish farmers to kill herons where other deterrent techniques have proved unsuccessful and that applications to shoot cormorants for the protection of fisheries should be entertained only when they come from individuals with a direct interest in the fisheries and who give information about the damage caused. The council also advised that shooting should not be permitted in coastal waters or at inland breeding colonies.