§ Mr. Keyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what investigations are being made into the current high mortality rate in the hare population of southern England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe current decline in the hare population follows a higher than average summer breeding rate and is believed to be largely attributable to natural causes. The position is being carefully monitored by the
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Gross Capital Expenditure*: Local Authorities in London† £ million 1978–79 1979–80 1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 Education, Libraries Museums and Art Galleries 53 55 73 54 61 Health and Social Services 16 20 24 19 20 Local Roads and Transport 98 138 174 188 211 Housing 789 902 848 635 741 Other Local Services 142 187 233 222 273 * All capital expenditure charged to capital accounts and amounts of capital expenditure charged direct to revenue or other funds and not capitalised. † Greater London Council (including ILEA), City of London, and London Boroughs. Nature Conservancy Council and by the wildlife incident investigation service of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The Nature Conservancy Council will be investigating the status of the species as part of the quinquennial review of the Wildlife and Country side Act 1981 and will be considering whether the hare needs special protection.