HC Deb 14 October 1991 vol 196 cc93-4W
Mr. Pike

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the financial loss to the United Kingdom agricultural industry caused by the(a) carrion hooded crow, (b) collared dove, (c) great black-backed gull, (d) lesser black-backed gull, (e) herring gull, (1) jackdaw, (g) jay, (h) magpie, (i) rook, (j) house sparrow, (k) starling and (l) wood pigeon; what are the circumstances in which such loss occurs; and how information on damage caused by those species is collected and assimilated.

Mr. Maclean

These bird species, which are listed in schedule 2 part II of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, are recognised as agricultural pests or as species which pose a potential risk to public health. Whilst detailed financial information is not available on the losses which are caused the advisory services gather information on the effects of these birds in the course of their work. I am writing separately to the hon. Member with details.