Written question asked by Andrew Welsh (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 25 November 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 December 1998. It was answered by Calum Macdonald (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 December 1998 on behalf of the Scottish Office.

Scottish Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what advice he has received from Scottish Natural Heritage in respect of applications for licences for the killing of barnacle geese on the Island of Islay; and if licences will be issued for land within areas designated as special protection areas under EU Directive 79/409/EEC. - Inc fig.

Answer: Mr. Welsh: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he has received from Scottish Natural Heritage in respect of applications for licences for the killing of barnacle geese on the Island of Islay; and if licences will be issued for land within areas designated as special protection areas under EU Directive 79/409/EEC. [61700] Mr. Macdonald: Advice has been given by Scottish Natural Heritage on the likely effect of limited licences to shoot barnacle geese in specified areas on Islay. Two licences to prevent serious agricultural damage have been issued for a limited period where no other satisfactory solution was available. These licences allow a maximum of 50 barnacle geese to be shot in areas designated as Special Protection Areas under EU Directive 74/409/EEC. The effect of the licensed shooting on the farms and the goose populations will be carefully monitored, and the results will be taken into account before any further licences are issued to farmers on Islay.

Secondary information