§ 114. Mr. KINGasked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, whether his attention has been called to the amount of maize and other foodstuffs given to raise pheasants and other wild birds; whether he is aware that hay and other feeding-stuffs are often given to deer, some of which are in a wild state; and whether steps will be taken to prevent extravagance of this kind?
Mr. ROBERTSThe first part of the hon. Member's question was answered on 18th December. As regards the latter part, I understand that already voluntary action on the part of owners has resulted in the diminution of their herds of deer. Probably further reduction will have to be made.
§ Mr. KINGWhere the landowners and great peers have not reduced their herds, and have still herds of thousands of animals, is nothing going to be done?
Mr. ROBERTSI think we can safely trust this matter to the Food Controller, who will take any action necessary.
§ 115. Mr. PETOasked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, whether he can indicate the nature of the powers to be sought in respect of the restriction of game preservation, and particularly whether it is intended to abrogate the right of property in game or to make illegal the feeding of game birds with grain; and, if the latter, whether the prohibition will extend to domestic poultry?
Mr. ROBERTSThe Food Controller is taking power to specify in regard to any article of commerce certain uses to which it may not be put. Under this an Order will be made, prohibiting the feeding of grain to game birds. There is no ground for extending this prohibition to domestic poultry.
§ Mr. PETOWill the hon. Gentleman answer definitely the part of my question which asks whether there is any intention of abrogating the right of property in game, or only dealing with the question of feeding; and is he not aware that you can produce greater results from poultry when in a semi-wild state than when poultry is penned up?
§ Mr. KINGBefore my hon. Friend answers this question, may I ask whether he is aware that there is no right of property, strictly speaking, in wild game?
Mr. ROBERTSI am very much obliged to my hon. friend for improving my knowledge. My hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Mr. Peto) had better put his question again to my hon. Friend the Member for Wilton.