HC Deb 12 July 1917 vol 95 cc2091-2
81. Mr. PETO

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether, in view of the fact that 1 oz. of lead shot correctly applied will render available for human food from 1 to 8 lbs. weight of game, that one small agency under the presidency of Lord Selborne collected for and delivered to the London hospitals for wounded soldiers 25,000 head of game in the seasons of 1915 and 1916, and that grouse, partridges, black game, pheasants, hares, and rabbits will consume human food in the early spring if an adequate number are not shot this autumn, and, in the case of grouse if not shot, valuable food will be destroyed by grouse disease, he will consider the advisability of withdrawing the Order issued by his Department forbidding the provision of lead for shot?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Sir Worthington Evans)

Twenty million cartridges have already been manufactured for use this year, and if my hon. Friend's anticipation of the result of the use of 1 oz. of shot is generally realised a large addition should be made to the food supply.

Mr. PETO

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that up to last month licences for the export of lead from this country were still being granted by this Government Department?

Sir W. EVANS

No more licences are being issued.