Securing habitat for endangered swifts and other cavity nesting birds

This House notes with concern the dramatic decline in the breeding population of swifts whose numbers have dropped by 60% since 1995; recognises that the loss of natural nesting habitat for swifts and other cavity nesting birds has meant that four species of these birds are now on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species; welcomes the fact that Barratt Homes, Vistry and other members of the Home Builders Federation have stated they have no objection to legislation that would require the incorporation into all new domestic buildings of swift bricks, which are universal bricks that would provide nesting habitat for eight species of small bird, and that these would not delay or increase the costs of the Government's house-building plans; and therefore urges the Government to introduce such regulations at the earliest opportunity so as to prevent the extinction of one of our most loved species.