PENALTIES FOR STEALING BIRDS' EGGS

Early day motion 915, tabled 29 June 2000 by Bob Laxton (Labour). Signed by 45 members.

That this House calls upon the Government to introduce legislation to amend the Wildlife and Countryside Act, to the maximum penalty for stealing birds' eggs from a fine of ú5000 to a custodial sentence, in view of the recent case of Keith Hartburn from Hartlepool who admitted two charges of taking eggs, admitted being in possession of 558 eggs which were found at his home but who escaped with a conditional discharge after declaring himself as bankrupt.

Signatures by party: Labour 35, Liberal Democrat 5, Labour/Co-operative 4, Scottish National Party 1.