§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will define the term, "serious economic loss", as used in determining whether or not licences to kill cormorants should be granted.
§ Mrs. FennerI have nothing to add to the second paragraph of my reply to the hon. Member of 14 March.
§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will explain the basis on which the anonymity of applicants for licences to kill cormorants for commercial reasons is preserved.
§ Mrs. FennerApplications for licences under part I of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 are in principle treated as in confidence in order to encourage applicants to make use of available procedures. However, the Ministry and NCC always consult local interests in order to establish the facts of the case and the alternatives available.