§ 39. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that large numbers of sea-birds, 1995 including several rare species, nest on Ailsa Craig; whether he has seen statements to the effect that numbers of rats have invaded the Craig and are causing great damage to the eggs and young of these sea-birds, and that certain species have been almost driven away from the Craig by the intruders; and whether any steps can be taken to deal with this matter?
Mr. STEWARTThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend has not seen the statements referred to, but he has reason to doubt whether, in any event, the rarer birds are in serious danger of extermination from any such cause, seeing that they nest in inaccessible places. He will, however, bring the matter to the notice of the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses as the owners of the Craig.
§ Mr. S. ROBERTSWill the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of offering an appointment as Governor of this island to the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy), with an official residence and full powers to deal with this question?