§ MR. MONTAGUI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the attention of the Board has been called to the demand for a departmental inquiry into the feeding habits and utility of birds; and whether the President contemplates action.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEY (Somersetshire, S.)We have received certain representations on this subject, but my noble friend does not think that it is necessary to institute a formal inquiry into the matter. We are, however, considering the advisability of inviting the agricultural correspondents of the Board and other competent observers to supply us with information as to the utility or otherwise of the birds in their localities.
§ *SIR PHILIP MAGNUS (London University)asked the hon. Member whether he was aware of the fact that recent investigations had tended to show that certain wild birds fed to a very large extent on fruit buds, thereby injuring the crops of the fruit-growers in this country. Would he consider the desirability of appointing a small Departmental Committee to inquire into the effects of the Wild Birds Protection Act?
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYI am quite aware that that is the case. I would refer the hon. Member to the latter part of my Answer.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)When the hon. Gentleman is inquiring about birds will he extend his inquiries to the habits of croaking ravens?