§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what considerations underlay the issue of licences for the killing of Canada geese in London parks; which parks these licences are valid for; and what methods are permitted.
§ Mr. AtkinsSection 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides that licences to control birds may be issued for reasons which include conserving wild birds, preserving public health or public safety. It was for these reasons that licences have been issued for the control of Canada geese numbers in London parks. Information that would identify the applicant for a licence is normally regarded as confidential. Licences provide that birds may be killed humanely using any method not prohibited by the 1981 Act.