§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress has taken place in 1991 towards re-establishing the red kite as a breeding species in England and Scotland.
§ Mr. BaldryA reintroduction programme now co-ordinated by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the RSPB began in 1989. It has continued in 1991 with the release of further young birds in suitable areas of England and Scotland. These are intended to form the basis of successful breeding population in future years. To date, 78 red kites have been released, of which 62 are known to have survived.