HC Deb 24 April 1934 vol 288 cc1542-4
44. Mr. PIKE

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the increasing slaughter of homing and carrier pigeons by the peregrine falcon, he will seek powers to remove from the protected lists all birds of this species?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Under the existing law there is power to make local Orders varying the protection given to any class of wild bird, but this power is only exerciseable on an application to the Home Office from the council of a county or a county borough. The question, therefore, is one for consideration in the first instance by the appropriate local authority.

Mr. PIKE

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that these powers in no way cover the hardships suffered by fanciers, seeing that the attacks of this bird of prey, in the vast majority of cases, occur in areas far beyond the areas in which the owners of the pigeons reside? Will the right hon. Gentleman give further consideration to that point?

Mr. PARKINSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive representations from the National Homing Union, or make arrangements to receive a deputation?

Sir J. GILMOUR

These powers rest with the local authorities, not with my office.

57. Mr. PIKE

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been drawn to an imprint of stamp used by the French postal authorities in the interests of the homing and carrier pigeon; and if, in view of the number of these birds killed by peregrine falcons and in other ways in this country and the resulting losses to owners of pigeons, he will consider the use by the British postal authority of a similar device?

The ASSISTANT POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Ernest Bennett)

I am aware of the use by the French postal authorities of a stamp cancelling impression relative to the protection of carrier pigeons. The requests for advertisement by postmark of good causes of all kinds are so numerous that to comply with all would be impracticable and compliance with any particular one would involve invidious discrimination. I regret, therefore, that I cannot see my way to meet my hon. Friend's request.

Mr. PIKE

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the adoption of the suggestion by the postal authorities may have a moral effect upon people who continue to desire the protection of peregrine falcons.