MPs debate seagulls and their effect on Gloucester businesses
10 February 2010 (updated on 22 April 2010)
Parmjit Dhanda, Labour MP for Gloucester, introduced a debate in Westminster Hall on the effect seagulls are having on businesses in Gloucester city centre. Dan Norris, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, responded to the debate.
- Video and Audio: Seagulls (Gloucester)
- Commons Hansard: Seagulls (Gloucester)
- About Parliament: Adjournment debates
Gloucester has 2,800 pairs of breeding seagulls which cause many problems for city centre companies, including scavenging and very aggressive behaviour.
Amongst the solutions tried so far - some more successfully than others - include falconry, egg removal, egg oiling, caging and spikes and laser torches.
The Minister agreed that a licensed control system might have to be considered, but only if earlier attempts to manage problems have been shown to be ineffective.
Westminster Hall debates
Westminster Hall adjournment debates allow MPs to consider issues of local or personal interest which rarely have time to be debated in the main Chamber of the House of Commons. MPs can discuss a variety of issues and receive a response from a government Minister.