§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when the last survey of the population of grey seals along the Welsh coastline was undertaken; and if he has any plans to fund another survey.
§ Mr. David HuntI understand that the last comprehensive survey of the population of grey seals along the Welsh coastline was undertaken in 1974.
The Countryside Council for Wales is currently considering an application for grant aid from a consortium 572W of agencies, led by the Dyfed Wildlife Trust, to undertake a census of seals in Cardigan bay. They are very interested and sympathetic but await further details of research methodology and technical details before decisions can be made.