HC Deb 02 April 1990 vol 170 c473W
Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he is taking for the protection of the capercaillie.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

The capercaillie is presently listed in part 1 of schedule 2 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and may be killed or taken only outside the closed season, that is, between 1 October and 31 January. In view of the decline in numbers of capercaillie, I have recently written to a wide range of interests proposing that a statutory ban on their shooting should be introduced from 1 October 1990. Under my proposals, the ban would be reviewed annually, following consultation. A copy of my consultation letter has been placed in the Library.