§ Dr. David Clarkasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been taken in 1983, 1984 and 1985, to the most recent date for which figures are available, for offences involving the misuse of poisonous baits or stupefying substances contrary to sections 5 and 11 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
§ Mr. MellorThe information available to me, which may be incomplete is shown in the table below. It is not390W possible, without disproportionate cost, to distinguish those offences relating to the use of poisonous baits or stupefying substances. Information for 1985 is not yet available.
Defendants proceeded against at magistrates' courts in England and Wales for offences under section 5 or 11 of the Wildlife and
Number of defendants Proceedings taken under Year Section 5 Section 11 1983 12 — 1984 19 5