HC Deb 13 June 1990 vol 174 cc250-1W
Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many grey and common seals were shot in each of the past 10 years, under section 9 of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, during(a) the close season and (b) the rest of the year and what steps he is taking to regulate this killing of seals under the terms of the Berne convention.

Mr. Lang

Information is not held centrally on the basis requested. No prior permit, or subsequent reporting of shooting of a seal, is required under the provisions of section 9 of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970.

My right hon. and learned Friend's obligations under the Berne convention in respect of seals in Scottish waters are met by the provisions and operation of the Conservation of Seals Act.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many licences have been issued for the shooting of seals under section 10 of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970 in the years, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1938, 1989 and so far in the current year.

Mr. Lang

The figures requested are as follows:

Year Licences Issued
1983 1—
1984 4
1985 31
1986 34
1987 52
1988 34
1989 0
21990 0
1 No figures are available.
2 to date.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current policy on the issuing of licences to shoot and kill grey and common seals for the prevention of damage to fisheries and fish stocks.

Mr. Lang

My right hon. and learned Friend is reviewing this matter in the light of a number of current applications for licences.

Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken in order to assess(a) the scale of damage inflicted upon the stocks of fish farms by birds and seals and (b) the number of birds and seals killed in order to prevent predation at fish farms.

Mr. Lang

There is no general requirement for fish farmers to report damage by predators to their stocks or equipment. Applicants for licences to shoot seals under the provisions of section 10(1)(c) of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970, or to shoot protected birds under the provisions of section 16(1)(k) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 are required to indicate the damage which shooting under licence is expected to prevent and to report the numbers of seals or birds which are shot in accordance with a licence.

Information on numbers of seals and seabirds shot under provisions other than licences is not available centrally.