§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the response of Her Majesty's Government to the resolution of the EEC Parliament entitled "Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural 679W Habitats" with particular reference to the proposals for the management and control of hunting and the prohibition of the use of lead shot, document A2–179/88; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Government have noted the European Parliament's views as expressed in the motion for a resolution calling for a ban on the use of lead shot in shooting, including clay pigeon shooting, and for controls on bag limits.
Current evidence does not provide justification for a national ban on the use of lead shot. The situation is being kept under review. The Nature Conservancy Council is consulting all interested parties to assess any potential danger to wildlife and its habitats. A working group of the British Association for Shooting and Conservation is co-ordinating research into all aspects of lead shot, with environmental issues as one of its main priorities.