§ Lord Gainfordasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are taking measures to protect wildfowl during periods of extremely cold weather.
§ Lord SkelmersdaleMy right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Environment made an order on 14th January banning the shooting of wildfowl and other wild birds listed in Schedule 2, Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (except capercaillie) in England and Wales from 9 am on Wednesday 16th January 1985 until immediately before midnight on 29th January 1985.
If the severe weather continues, it may be necessary to extend the period of the ban. If there is a seven-day frost-free period, it will be lifted.