THE RUDDY DUCK

Early day motion 823, tabled 4 March 2003 by Lord Stratford (Labour). Signed by 36 members.

That this House deplores the decision of the Government to seek the eradication of the now estimated 6,000 ruddy ducks originally introduced into this country by amongst others, Sir Peter Scott, and whose only crime appears to be their ability to mate successfully with the Spanish white-headed duck; draws attention to the wide range of human, animal and plant life which is the result of miscegenation which is part of nature's evolutionary process; notes that mating in Spain is an annual ritual practised by many British holidaymakers; and calls upon the UK and Spanish Government to show as tolerant an attitude towards ruddy ducks as they do British tourists.

Signatures by party: Labour 28, Conservative 4, Liberal Democrat 4.