HC Deb 04 June 1992 vol 208 cc628-9W
Mr. Barry Field

To ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what guidance he has issued or discussions he has had with the electricity companies to limit deaths and injury to birds by overhead power lines;

(2) whether any specific guidance notes are issued for marking power lines that cross estuaries, creeks and wetland habitats.

Mr. Eggar

Electricity companies when formulating overhead power line proposals have a statutory duty towards the environment which includes taking account of any wildlife in the area concerned. Where consultation with local interests shows the possibility of danger to birds, the fitting of bird diverters may be agreed by the company or otherwise may be imposed as a condition if consent for the line is granted.