§ Lord Brougham and Vaux
asked Her Majesty's Government:
What action is planned to examine the growth in populations of birds of prey and their impact on game bird management and racing pigeons.
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment (Viscount Ullswater)
On 24 April, Environment Department officials met interested parties to discuss these issues. Following broad agreement reached at that meeting, the Government propose to establish a regular forum to consider the implications of the growth in the populations of birds of prey and to set up a working group to examine the facts and identify possible action.
The working group will:-
- consider population status of birds of prey;
- identify species alleged to be causing problems;
- identify, in particular, the impact of such species on game birds and moorland management and on racing pigeons;
- identify gaps in research and future needs, and identify possible sources of funding;
- consider statutory and other mechanisms for the resolution of problems;
- and report back to the forum within one year.
The working group, which will be chaired jointly by officials from the Department of the Environment and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, will reflect a wide range of interests. It will be set up as soon as possible.