HL Deb 26 July 1872 vol 212 c1884

Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.

Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Earl of Malmesbury.)

LORD CAIRNS

said, he could not understand why some wild birds were put in the Schedule of this Bill while others were excluded.

THE EARL OF KIMBERLEY

thought the swallow, marten, swift, and skylark should be protected. He also favoured protecting the barn owl. He understood thrushes and blackbirds had been excluded on account of their being destructive to fruit.

LORD CAIRNS

protested against unnecessary legislation. He did not believe there was any wholesale destruction of swallows.

THE EARL OF LONGFORD

suggested the postponement of the Bill till next Session.

THE DUKE OF ARGYLL

did not believe there was a single insectivorous bird which was not useful to man. He did not see why all birds should not be protected during the breeding season.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

feared that many persons would incur penalties through ignorance, cockney sportsmen not knowing what birds they destroyed.

Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Tuesday next.

House adjourned at a quarter before Eleven o'clock to Monday next, Eleven o'clock