§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he makes of the extent of damage caused to wildlife, especially swans and cygnets, as a result of illegal fishing.
§ Mr. WaldegraveIt is not possible to estimate this. However, the main source of damage to swans and cygnets is poisoning caused by lead weights discarded, or lost, by fishermen. The damage so caused was debated by the House on 18 January at columns 421–28 when the Government's firm commitment to the phasing-out of anglers' lead was repeated and an assurance given that legislation on this would be introduced if it proves necessary.