§ Mr. GrahamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his answer of 27 April,Official Report, columns 377–78, in respect of how many of the licence applications to kill cormorants, goosanders or red-breasted mergansers for the prevention of serious damage to fisheries under section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, received in Scotland in 1992, the Department carried out a site visit to assess evidence of serious damage to fisheries.
§ Sir Hector MonroNo site visits were made. Assessment of the potential damage to fisheries is based on a variety of factors, including the diets of the birds.
§ Mr. GrahamTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department consults Scottish Natural Heritage before issuing individual licences to kill cormorants, goosanders or red-breasted mergansers under section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
§ Sir Hector MonroAs required by section 16(10) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 the Scottish Office Agriculture and Fisheries Department regularly consults Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) on the circumstances under which licences should be granted to shoot these species of birds. Applicants for licences are encouraged to consult local SNH staff before submitting their applications.