Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 7 December 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 December 2010. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Monday, 13 December 2010 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Eagle Owls

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with representatives of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds on measures to control the spread of the eagle owl.

Answer: DEFRA officials have held discussions with key parties, including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, which advocated a need for further evidence of impacts, and reinforcing messages to reduce further unlawful releases of eagle owls.After considering all the facts on the threat that eagle owls pose to native wildlife have not been convinced that any immediate action is needed to control them. We will continue to monitor the effect they are having and will reassess the situation if necessary.

Secondary information