§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he is taking to monitor the acidity of breeding pools at one time or presently used by the natterjack toad; and whether he intends to take steps to ensure that this species is protected from (a) collecting, (b) persecution, (c) agricultural, forestry or other development of habitat, and (d) acid deposition.
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§ Mr. WaldegraveBreeding pools of the natterjack toad are regularly monitored by the voluntary organisations and other researchers and the results are collated by the Nature Conservancy Council.
The species and its places of shelter already have special protection under section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Where acidity problems are identified the Nature Conservancy Council, in collaboration with other organisations, will take appropriate steps to protect the toad population affected, such as by transferring them to a different site.