§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what central records he maintains concerning criminal offences and activity in relation to(a) wild birds and (b) other wildlife; and if he will make a statement. [17264]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Scottish Office holds statistical information, provided by Scottish police forces, on the following offences in relation to wild birds and other wildlife.
(a) Categories of crimes and offences including offences in relation to wild birds:Offences involving birds(b) Categories of crimes and offences including offences in relation to other wildlife:Cruelty to animals (excluding dogs, birds)Offences involving animals (excluding dogs or birds or elsewhere classified)Salmon and freshwater fisheries offencesSea fisheries offencesPossession of salmon or trout unlawfully obtainedPoaching and game lawsOffences under Deer (Scotland) Act 1959 and Deer (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 1982.