Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Police)

HC Deb 24 June 1997 vol 296 c485W

Mr. Hincliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he has taken to review the policing aspects of the operation of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. [4626]

Angela Eagle

The Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime submitted recommendations for changes to the enforcement provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 earlier this year. Eleven recommendations were made including giving the courts the option of imprisoning wildlife criminals, and facilitating the use of DNA evidence in wildlife investigations.

The recommendations were circulated for consultation in March 1997. The Department is considering the comments received and the Government's response will be published shortly.