HC Deb 25 March 1912 vol 36 cc7-8
Mr. GEORGE GREENWOOD

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that during the frost in February last one ton and a half of song-larks, estimated at 30,000, were sent to London from Royston, in Cambridgeshire, in one week, and that many thousands are sent to the London market every week, except in the close season; and whether, in view of the utility of these birds to agriculture, he proposes to take any steps to give them an extended period of protection?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna)

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question, as the Wild Birds Protection Acts are not administered by his Department. The Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire informs me that several consignments of larks were sent in January and February from Royston to London, though the total weight of them was very much less than that stated in the question. As my hon. Friend is aware, I have no power to make an Order under the Wild Birds Protection Acts except on the application of the local authority. It is for the county council in the first instance to consider whether larks need protection, during the open season.

Mr. G. GREENWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the county council in order to procure an extension of the period of protection?

Mr. McKENNA

I will bear in mind what my hon. Friend says.

Mr. KING

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it is undesirable to limit the amount of food available in this country?

Mr. McKENNA

That certainly is one aspect of the question.