Written question asked by Nick Harvey (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 10 October 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 October 2007. It was answered by Derek Twigg (Labour) on Monday, 29 October 2007 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems: Deer

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much was spent by Defence Estates on providing Sika deer with global positioning system collars in the Poole basin area.

Answer: Bournemouth University, the National Trust and the British Deer Society are undertaking research on Lulworth Training Area, part of the Defence Training Estate, as a joint venture with Defence Estates (DE)—the MOD organisation with responsibility for the defence estate.DE has contributed a total of £32,500 to the project for the purchase of 15 Global Positioning System collars and equipment. The other partners have contributed a total of £85,000 to this venture.The numbers of Sika deer within the Lulworth Range area have been increasing. However, DE has been unable to determine whether this is due to resident herds or migration of deer from other areas which are less well managed. There is also concern about their impact on the important local habitat and potential damage claims to the MOD. The project aims to increase understanding of the issues involved.

Secondary information