Written question asked by Lord Stratford (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 4 March 1997. It was answered by Baroness Browning (Conservative) on Tuesday, 4 March 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: What guidance his Department issues to fruit growers regarding the prevention of damage caused by bullfinches.

Answer: Mr. Tony Banks: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what guidance his Department issues to fruit growers regarding the prevention of damage caused by bullfinches. [18365] Mrs. Browning: Advice to fruit growers regarding the prevention of damage caused by bullfinches is provided, on request, by ADAS (Statutory), the Ministry's wildlife adviser. The basis of the advice is that, wherever possible, non-lethal means of preventing any damage, for example the use of netting or fine threads spread over trees, should be used. Advice on longer-term measures, such as future planting strategies to reduce the risk of damage, would also be available.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 18365; 291 c571-2W;291 c572W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Birds Fruit Pest control Trees Agricultural Development and Advisory Service