HC Deb 16 November 2001 vol 374 cc925-6W
Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Government of the Republic of Cyprus regarding the trapping and eating of protected migrant birds; and what steps he plans to take to support improved enforcement of bird protection legislation in Cyprus. [14803]

Peter Hain

The Government remain concerned that this activity continues to take place in Cyprus, and welcome the inclusion of the issue on the agenda of the forthcoming Berne Standing Committee meeting. For our part, the Sovereign Base Area police have for a number of years put considerable effort into anti-poaching measures. Recently there has been an especially robust campaign including the expansion of anti-poaching patrols. The SBA police also work in close co-operation with the Cyprus Game and Fauna Service. In addition, as part of a larger initiative, the Berne Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats is being extended to the SBAs. We intend to continue to work with the Republic of Cyprus to bring an end to this unpleasant and outlawed practice.