HL Deb 01 December 1997 vol 583 cc146-7WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there has been a reduction in the number of sparrows in London; if so, to what this reduction is attributed; and whether steps can be taken to reverse this development.

Baroness Hayman

There is little evidence to suggest a significant long term decline in numbers or range of house sparrows, but the Government understand that concern has been expressed over the numbers of sparrows in London. The Breeding Bird Survey, introduced in 1994, should, in view of its coverage of urban and suburban habitats, provide improved monitoring of the sparrow population.