Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of (a) the effectiveness of management of upland areas for game and (b) its contribution to local economies. [41870]

James Paice MP; Minister of State (Agriculture and Food): Game management can be important for the management of land through the provision of cover for wildlife, and through the creation and management of habitats such as woodland, grouse moors, beetle banks and hedgerows. 96% of grouse moor sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) are now in favourable or recovering condition, an increase from 51% in 2006. This is a reflection of moorland managers' awareness of the importance and sensitivity of upland biodiversity.

Game management can also be important for the rural economy. While no specific assessment has been made of the contribution of game management to upland areas, shooting contributes in the region of £1.6 billion to the rural economy, and supports the equivalent of around 70,000 full-time jobs; much of this contribution will be in upland areas.