HC Deb 13 February 1917 vol 90 cc418-9
Mr. GEORGE LAMBERT

May 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 BATHURST

I 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. LAMBERT

At what date may the tenants kill pheasants; because now, of course, it is close time, and now is the time they are doing damage?

Captain BATHURST

We propose to give the tenant farmers this right at once.

HON. MEMBERS

Until how long?

Captain BATHURST

Without, at present, any limitation of time.

Colonel YATE

Are pheasants to be killed during the breeding season?

Captain BATHURST

Most certainly, if they are eating food which is fit for human or animal consumption.

Mr. FLAVIN

Will this new Order apply to the United Kingdom or only to Great Britain?

Captain BATHURST

As far as I am aware, it is not proposed to make any exception in the case of Ireland.

Sir C. HOBHOUSE

After 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 BATHURST

The Food Controller has been advised that he has power to override existing legislation in this respect under the Defence of the Realm Act.

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