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DEFRA
Telephone 08459 335577
Email helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Website www.defra.gov.uk
Nobel House 17
Smith Square
London
SW1 P 3JR
John Swift
Chief Executive
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation
Marford Mill
Rossett
Wrexham
LL12 OHL
Our ref: P0161372
December 2009
From Huw Irranca-Davies Minister for Marine and Natural Environment
Dear John,
Thank you for your letter of 26 November to Hilary Benn, sent on behalf of various stakeholders, about the threat to wild birds from ingesting lead from ammunition.
I recognise that this is a complex issue and note the concerns of the RSPB, the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust and yourselves. I am not aware of any new research that has been conducted that shows that lead ammunition residues or spent lead shot is a real threat to the conservation of wildlife in general in England. However, I realise levels of concern have risen recently among various stakeholders involved with lead from ammunition, and this issue covers a number of fronts. Therefore I have asked Defra officials to look at the possibility of convening a group to look at possible impacts for wildlife of lead from ammunition, the welfare implications of available alternatives and potential effects from contaminated food on human health.
If you, or any of the stakeholders who are party to your letter, would like to be involved in such a group please contact: Ashley Matthews, Room 108, Defra, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol BS1 6EB (ashley.j.matthews@defra.gsi.gov.uk).
My kind regards
HUW IRRANCA-DAVIES
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