§ Lord Melchettasked Her Majesty's Government:
For what purpose under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 the taking of common seal pups in Orkney and the west coast of Scotland has been permitted since 1978 and whether they will state how many licences were issued to take common seal pups, and how many common seal pups were taken under licence (a) in Orkney and (b) on the west coast of Scotland during the 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983 seasons.
§ The Lord Advocate (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)Licences have been issued to take common seal pups in Orkney and on the west coast of Scotland in terms of Section 10(1)(c)(iii) of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, ie, as the use of a resource. The information is as follows:
Number of Licences issued Orkney West Coast of Scotland (a)1 (b)2 (a)1 (b)2 1978 1 — — 350 340 1979 1 — — 350 350 1980 13 135 28 350 350 1981 13 135 — 350 350 1982 2 15 2 280 — 1983 — — — — — Notes: 1. Quota set in licence.
2. Number of pups recorded as being taken.
3. Licence covered both Orkney and West Coast with separate quotas.