§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial assistance is being given by the Government to animal welfare organisations active in saving wildlife in the aftermath of the oil spillage from MV Braer.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 15 January 1993]: The Scottish Office has made the following offers, under the special grant environmental programme, of financial assistance for rescue and care of wildlife:
- The Hillswick Wildlife Centre: £5,000 for rehabilitation of seals and otters.
- The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: £5,000 for care and treatment of oiled birds.
In addition, Scottish National Heritage is providing grant of £10,000 for rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife as well as contributing practical advice and assistance to this work.
The European Commission has offered to match this overall support with £20,000. The EC and SNH support is to be paid to voluntary groups in the light of advice from the Shetland wildlife response co-ordinating committee.