§ 29. Mr. RobathanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact of mink on Scottish wildlife. [13654]
§ Sir Hector MonroMy right hon. Friend has received advice from Scottish Natural Heritage on the impact of mink on Scottish wildlife. The species is an active predator and established itself in the wild after escaping from mink farms as long ago as 1929. Research results indicate that the mink has generally not had the serious effect on our wildlife that was first expected. However, there is concern about its possible effect on some colonies of ground-nesting sea birds.