Written question asked by Tam Dalyell (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 21 May 1996. It was answered by Nicholas Bonsor (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 May 1996 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: What discussions the Minister of Overseas Development has had with the Government of Ecuador over the shooting of female goats on those parts of the Alcedo area of the Galapagos Islands where giant tortoises breed. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. Dalyell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Minister for Overseas Development has had with the Government of Ecuador about the shooting of female goats on those parts of the Alcedo area of the Galapagos Islands where giant tortoises breed.[28908] Sir Nicholas Bonsor: There have been no discussions between the ODA and the Ecuadorean Government about shooting goats in the Galapagos Islands. The British ambassador in Quito recently visited the islands to see the problem caused by feral goats on Alcedo which threaten the survival of the population of giant tortoises. The ambassador has offered to donate £5,000 from the heads of mission gift scheme to the national park and to the Darwin Foundation for their programme to protect the tortoises. He is also examining the possibility of a contribution to the goat eradication programme from a FCO fund for small environmental projects.

Secondary information