To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 7 December 2009, Official Report, columns 92-3W, on Cyprus, what guidance he has issued to the Sovereign Base Areas Administration on whether the Game and Wild Birds Ordinance 2008 prohibits the trappings of wild birds in all circumstances. (307044)

The ordinance makes it clear that large scale and non-selective methods of capturing, pursuing or killing wild birds are prohibited. The exception is where such activity is carried out strictly in accordance with a licence issued in that regard by the chief officer for reasons of public health and safety or conservation. The Secretary of State for Defence has therefore not issued any guidance to the Sovereign Base areas administration in relation to the interpretation of the Game and Wild Birds Ordinance 2008.