§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of current legislation protecting British birds of prey; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Atkins[holding answer 16 February 1994]: Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 British birds of 973W prey are protected against taking, killing, injuring or removal from the wild in any other way, except under licence. I am satisfied that this legislation is required and appropriate. Many birds of prey, both native and non-native, are also subject to the registration and ringing requirements of section 7 and schedule 4 to the Act if held in captivity. A consultation paper was issued by the Department last April inviting comments on possible changes to these requirements. Consultation on detailed proposals affecting registration and ringing of certain hawks and other species should begin very shortly.