§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to protect the peregrine falcon. [22344]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordAll naturally occurring wild birds in the UK are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which fulfils the UK's obligation under the EC birds directive to protect wild birds. Additionally, anyone found guilty of an offence against this species is liable to a special penalty.
Article 4.1 of the birds directive requires member states to take special conservation methods for certain vulnerable species, including the establishment of a network of special protection areas and breeding peregrine falcons are found on several classified sites.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) how many licences for taking wild
418Wexample, population structure and social characteristics, the extent of the use of private firms and contractors and the level of work undertaken for other authorities and public bodies on an agency basis.
peregrine falcons have been issued in each year since 1984; [22359]
(2) how many quarry licences for falconry were issued in each year since 1984; and what quarry species were involved. [22360]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordDetails of licences issued under section 16 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 are contained in the reports by the United Kingdom to the European Community on derogations under article 9 of the directive on the conservation of wild birds, 79/409/EEC. Copies of the derogation report are held in the Library. Figures are not yet available for 1994.