Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they plan to undertake a consultation with farmers and farmers' organisations on any proposal to release lynx into Kielder Forest in Northumberland.

In accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Natural England, as the licensing authority, considers any application for the reintroduction of former native species in England.

No application has been received to reintroduce lynx into England. If a licence application is received Natural England would consider it carefully in accordance with appropriate international guidelines, taking account of socio-economic impacts and the impact on the welfare of the animals themselves.