§ Mr. WallaceTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether a specific guideline has been given in the guidelines issued by his Department to chief constables relating to the issuing of firearms certificates with regard to permission to shoot seals in the vicinity of creels; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 7 July 1994]: No specific guideline relating to the shooting of seals has been given to chief constables in guidance provided on the issuing of firearm certificates. The issuing of firearm certificates and any restrictive conditions imposed on them are operational matters for each chief constable.