§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if English Nature recommends the removal of bat roosting sites after October. [40556]
§ Mr. ClappisonEnglish Nature makes every effort to negotiate the retention of bat roosting sites. Where this is not possible, English Nature advises on the least harmful time of year to perform operations on a bat roost. This time will vary according to whether the site is used by the bats during the summer, or during the winter for hibernation. English Nature makes every effort to ensure that any removal of hibernacular sites does not take place between 1 November and 31 March.
744W
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what legislation protects bats and their breeding sites. [40557]
§ Mr. ClappisonAll bats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994. Under sections 9 and 10 of the 1981 Act and regulations 39 and 40 of the 1994 regulations, unless a licence has been granted, it is an offence to kill or injure a bat deliberately or intentionally to possess or sell one or offer it for sale or to damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure bats use for shelter. Certain assemblages of bats may also qualify as a roost notified as a site of special scientific interest.
§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what licences have been issued for the further removal of bat roosting sites on the route of the A34 Newbury bypass; and where and when such works will be carried out. [40558]
§ Mr. ClappisonNo licences have been issued for the further removal of bat roosts on the route of the A34 Newbury bypass.