HC Deb 22 April 1985 vol 77 cc332-3W
Mr. Tony Banks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what representations Her Majesty's Government intend to make to the French Government about the slaughter of migrating birds crossing France on their way to Britain;

(2) what representations Her Majesty's Government intend to make to the Greek Government about the hunting and slaughter of migrating turtle doves, cuckoos and other migrating birds crossing Greece en route to the United Kingdom;

(3) what representations Her Majesty's Government intend to make to the Italian Government about the annual slaughter of honey buzzards, harriers, kestrels and eagles crossing Italy en route to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Waldegrave

Under the terms of the EC birds directive, special protection is given to all migratory birds in member states, subject to certain exceptions. Should good evidence of contraventions of this directive be provided then we would, as we have in the past, draw them to the attention of the European Commission in the strongest terms. It is the Commission's responsibility to ensure that the national implementation of measures by member states complies with the directive. But we have, of course, no power to interfere in another country's internal affairs.