§ 43. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in certain districts much loss is caused to owners of homing pigeons by peregrine falcons; and whether he will take steps to allow these birds to be reduced in number in certain specified districts?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Short)I have been asked to reply to this question. From time to time the Home Office has received representations on this matter, but my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has no power under the Wild Birds Protection Acts to grant licences for these birds to be taken, and his power to make local orders for diminishing or increasing the amount of protection afforded to any class of bird is only exerciseable on application made to him by a county council or county borough council. The proper course for any person desiring a modification of the protection accorded to these birds in any locality is to address his representations to the council concerned.