§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to the use of birds of prey to control feral pigeons in London. [4690]
§ Mr. ClappisonUnder the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 my Department and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food issue annual general licences permitting authorised persons to kill or take 13 species of pest bird, including feral pigeons, for specified reasons using any method not prohibited by section 5 of the 1981 Act. It is a matter for the authorised persons to determine the most appropriate method of control.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what evidence or representations he has been sent about the extent of the pigeon problem in London; what are the implications for public health; what is his programme of control; and if he will make a statement. [4689]
§ Mr. ClappisonMy Department has regular correspondence on the subject of pigeon problems in urban areas.
Under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, my Department issues an annual general licence permitting authorised persons to kill or take 13 species of pest bird, including feral pigeons, for purposes of preserving public health of public safety. Under part VI of the Public Health Act 1961, local authorities have a specific power to abate or mitigate any nuisance, annoyance or damage caused by the congregation of pigeons in any built-up area.