§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 15 February 1999,Official Report, column 436, on aviculture, if he will list the avicultural purposes for which the licences were granted and the specific conditions attached to each. [80055]
§ Mr. MealeThe purpose of aviculture is defined by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 as meaning the breeding and rearing of birds in captivity.
The conditions as stipulated on the licence to take redwing are as follows:
(1) that the birds are taken only from the named county or counties; (2) that the birds are taken only for the reason given i. e. for the purpose of aviculture; (3) that the birds are taken only by a person authorised in writing by the licensee; (4) that the birds are taken only by the use of the named device i. e. a "whoosh net", which must be operated only by authorised individuals who are fully trained and competent in the use of such a device; (5) that any bird caught in the "whoosh net" which is of a species other than a redwing-Turdus illiacus must be released immediately; (6) that the land owner's written permission is obtained before entry upon any land; (7) that a report is sent to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions 14 days after the expiry date of the licence.
§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many birds bred or reared in captivity following the issuing of a licence have subsequently been sold with the approval of his Department in each of the last five years for which information is available; for what use these birds were sold; and what subsequent checks were carried out in respect of their welfare. [79923]
§ Mr. MealeNo requests have been received within the last five years for approval for the sale of any offspring from birds taken under aviculture licences.