§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what trials the Department is engaged in with the Central Science Laboratory; and whether such trials relating to wild mammals involve the use of(a) repellants, (b) electric fencing and (c) condition taste aversion. [108141]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Department has commissioned the Central Science Laboratory to carry out a range of studies of wild mammals and birds with the aim of developing effective, humane and environmentally sensitive approaches to wildlife management. Ongoing work with wild mammals includes the potential use of repellents and conditioned taste aversion as non-lethal means of resolving conflicts between wildlife and other interests. There are no current trials on electric fencing although previous studies have developed effective methods to manage some problems posed by rabbits, foxes and badgers. Advisory leaflets on these methods are available from the National Wildlife Management Team of Defra's Rural Development Servicewww.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/vertebrates/leaflets.htm.