HL Deb 20 February 1984 vol 448 cc618-9WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many cormorants have been killed under licence in England and Wales since the passing of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; how many licences have been issued; and what localities do these licences cover.

Lord Skelmersdale

Twelve cormorants have been killed in England under a licence issued since the passing of the Act. Five licences have been issued in England, one of which is still current: two for Essex, and one each for Cheshire, Staffordshire and Cumbria. Two licences were issued in Wales for two reservoir sites but neither licence was taken up and no birds were killed. All licences issued are for the protection of fisheries interests.

Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many cormorants have been killed under licence in Scotland since the passing of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; how many licences have been issued; and what localities do these licences cover.

The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Gray of Contin)

In the period between implementation of Part I of the Act and the end of 1983 licensees reported the shooting of 907 cormorants.

Two licences were issued for Grampian Region, 13 for Highland Region, Seven for Tayside Region, two for the Borders Region, three for Strathclyde and six for Dumfries and Galloway Region.