§ Mr. GrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consultation she has with(a) farmers and (b) landowners prior to the release of raptors on their land. [169456]
§ Mr. Bradshaw[holding answer 6 May 2004]I have had no direct consultations with farmers or landowners about the release of raptors on their land. Reintroduction projects for conservation reasons have been carried out in England for red kite, osprey and barn owl. These projects have involved English Nature (the Government's statutory conservation advisor), voluntary conservation bodies and private individuals. In all cases, those involved have obtained the permission of farmers and landowners before any birds were released. English Nature supports only those reintroduction projects that conform to internationally agreed guidelines produced by the World Conservation Union (IUCN). This includes the requirement that 'the programme should be fully understood, accepted and supported by local communities'.