To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to deal with the problems associated with culicoides impunctalis, the Scottish biting midge; and if he will make a statement.

[holding answer 26 June 1992]: I have no such plans. The ability of culicoides impunctatus to cause discomfort and disruption is well known, but it is a dominant part of Scottish wildlife and possible measures to control or eradicate the species have to take account of the need to avoid harming the wider environment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research his Department sponsors on the Scottish biting midge, culicoides impunctalis; and if he will make a statement.

[holding answer 26 June 1992]: The Scottish Office is not sponsoring any such research at present, but I am aware of current research being funded by other bodies, for example at the university of Aberdeen.