§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to safeguard the public in West Sutherland from increased numbers of straying deer. [69597]
§ Mr. Macdonald[holding answer 8 February 1999]The Deer Commission for Scotland is encouraging Deer Management Groups and estate owners to take measures as appropriate to reduce the numbers of deer straying onto roads or feeding on roadside verges, for example by introducing supplementary feeding as a method of drawing deer away from public highways. The Commission is also continuing to discuss with the roads authorities and the police matters such as road design, installation of warning signs, and use of wildlife roadside reflectors or fencing. These authorities also have discretion to introduce lower speed limits in certain circumstances.
Although deer numbers in the area have not increased, there is evidence to suggest that deer are spending more time on lower ground.
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.