HC Deb 25 March 1898 vol 55 cc909-10
MR. W. REDMOND

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he is aware that a dead grouse in good condition, with the address label tied to its leg, was forwarded to a certain person in Dublin from a country post office a few days previously by parcel post; and if he will issue instructions to all postmasters in Ireland to refuse to accept game handed in for transit which has been obviously killed during the legal close season?

MR. HANBURY

The attention of the Postmaster General has not been drawn to the fact that a dead grouse in good condition was forwarded by parcel post a few days ago. If such is the case the officer who accepted the grouse for transmission was not acting contrary to the regulations of the Department, for no instructions to refuse game, when out of season, have been given. The Postmaster General fears it would be impracticable to impose upon his officers throughout the country the duty of deciding the many nice questions which might arise in an endeavour to enforce the game laws in the manner suggested by the hon. Member.

Mr. W. REDMOND

Can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to make some change in the regulations, so that the Post Office may not make itself accessory to killing game out of season?

MR. HANBURY

That would have to be done by Act.

MR. W. REDMOND

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman see his way to bring in a Bill for the purpose?

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