§ Mr. GEORGE LAMBERTMay I ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food Control whether any decision has been arrived at with regard to the killing of game by tenant farmers when they are destroying human food?
Captain BATHURSTI have had no private notice of this question, but the matter has been considered this morning after consultation with the President of the Board of Agriculture, and it has been decided to issue an Order authorising occupiers of agricultural land to have the concurrent right of killing the pheasants on the same lines that they have in respect of ground game.
§ Mr. LAMBERTAt what date may the tenants kill pheasants; because now, of course, it is close time, and now is the time they are doing damage?
§ Colonel YATEAre pheasants to be killed during the breeding season?
Captain BATHURSTMost certainly, if they are eating food which is fit for human or animal consumption.
§ Mr. FLAVINWill this new Order apply to the United Kingdom or only to Great Britain?
Captain BATHURSTAs far as I am aware, it is not proposed to make any exception in the case of Ireland.
§ Sir C. HOBHOUSEAfter 1st February the killing of game is illegal. How can an Order of the Board of Agriculture or the Food Controller make legal that which is illegal by Statute?
Captain BATHURSTThe Food Controller has been advised that he has power to override existing legislation in this respect under the Defence of the Realm Act.