To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many licences to move badger setts English Nature has issued in each of the last 10 years. (302760)

Policy on wildlife management issues is a devolved matter, therefore this answer relates to England only.

Since it was formed in October 2006, Natural England has issued all licences under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992. Prior to this the licensing responsibility was split between English Nature and DEFRA depending upon the purpose for which the licence was to be issued.

Licences are not issued to move badger setts, but to trap and move badgers. The number of licences issued each year since 2001 is as follows:

Records are unavailable prior to 2001. The 2007 licence was issued by Natural England. The licences from 2001 to 2005 were issued by DEFRA.