HL Deb 05 March 1984 vol 449 cc134-5WA
Lord Melchett

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will confirm that all licences to allow the killing of cormorants, goosanders and mergansers in Scotland issued since the passing of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 have been for the purpose of protecting fisheries: whether they will state how many of each species had been killed to protect. (a) commercial fish farms: (b) salmon or trout in rivers and (c) fish in lakes or reservoirs, up to the end of 1983: and whether they will confirm that the total numbers of each species killed has been reported to the Commission as required under Directive 79/3409.

Lord Gray of Contin

All licences under the 1981 Act to allow the shooting of cormorants, goosanders and mergansers were issued to prevent damage to fisheries. The returns do not permit an accurate allocation between the three stated categories. In the period ended 31st December 1983 licensees reported the shooting of 907 cormorants, 747 goosanders and 523 mergansers. These figures will be reported to the Commission of the European Communities.