§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to change the current licensing scheme for the shooting of seals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythMy right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to do so.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is in a position to give the approximate number of seals killed, either by shooting or entanglement in nets, at marine salmonid fish farms in each year since 1979.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThis information is not collected. The numbers of seals killed under licence are reported to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland. Outwith the close season, however, licences to shoot seals and returns to the Department of seals shot are not required.