§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps the Government are taking to ensure the continued survival within the United Kingdom of the following species of bird:(a) the bittern, (b) the red-backed shrike, (c) the corncrake, (d) the red kite, (e) the white-tailed sea eagle and (f) the marsh-warbler.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyAll these species are listed in schedule 1 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as being protected by special penalties. Anyone attempting, in contravention of the Act, to kill, injure or take such a bird or to destroy its eggs or nests is liable on conviction to a fine of up to £2,000. In addition, important habitats are safeguarded through the Act's provisions for the notification of sites of special scientific interest. Where appropriate, further action is taken through the classification of special protection areas under article 4 of EC directive 79/409/EEC.