§ Sir David Priceasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the current snake population of England; where they are principally located; what proportion is dangerous to man and beast, respectively; and what is the Government's policy towards the elimination of poisonous snakes.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThere are three types of snake native in England—the adder, the smooth snake and the grass snake. It is not possible to estimate their total numbers, except that there are thought to be about 2,000 of the rare smooth snake which is confined to southern dry heathlands.
The adder and grass snake are widely distributed both geographically and in terms of habitat type, so it is not possible to specify principal locations.
The smooth snake is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Only the adder is venomous and human fatalities due to adder bites are thought to amount to no more than 10 this century. Against that background the Government see no need for the elimination of poisonous snakes.