§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what information he has regarding the current British population of puffins; and if he will make it his policy to institute a ban on sand-eel fishing to encourage the breeding of puffins.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe current British popula-tion of puffins is estimated to be in excess of 500,000 breeding pairs. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, has already taken action to limit sand-eel fishing.