HC Deb 11 August 1896 vol 44 cc562-3

In Section three of the Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880, the words "for a first offence be reprimanded and discharged on payment of costs and for every subsequent offence" shall be repealed.

MR. LEWIS

said that this clause appeared to make an important alteration in the last Wild Birds Protection Act. Perhaps the hon. Member in charge of the Bill would say why it was proposed to make that alteration.

MR. BIGWOOD

said that it had been found necessary to increase the punishment of old offenders against the Act.

MR. LEWIS

said that, unfortunately, the majority of offenders against the Act were young people.

MR. BIGWOOD

said that the clause merely authorised the seizure of traps, nets, etc.

SIR W. HARCOURT

said that the Bill would inflict the same punishment as to seizure of traps, etc., upon young as well as old offenders.

Mr. T. M. HEALY

thought that it would be better to withdraw the clause altogether.

MR. BIGWOOD

asked leave to withdraw the clause.

Clause negatived.

Clause 5,—