§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy in respect of proposals to give basking sharks endangered species protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Acts; and if he will make a statement. [38810]
§ Mr. KynochThis matter is being considered as part of the current quinquennial review of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee has already consulted widely over its proposals for additional species which should receive protection as part of the current reviews. The committee's412W recommendations are expected to be put to my right hon. Friend the Secretary for State for the Environment in the autumn. Full consideration will be given to the committee's recommendations before a decision is taken as to which species should be afforded protection.