HC Deb 27 November 1934 vol 295 cc664-5
38. Mrs. WARD

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, the number of deer slaughtered by the Forestry Commissioners in Cannock Chase within the last two years; and what is the size of the remaining herd?

Colonel Sir GEORGE COURTHOPE (Forestry Commissioner)

Ninety deer have been shot on Cannock Chase by duly authorised employés of the Forestry Commission. The remaining herd is variously estimated at from 200 to 300.

Mrs. WARD

How many deer is it proposed to destroy before the herd is sufficiently thinned out?

Earl of DALKEITH

Has serious damage been done to plantations by the increasing numbers of stray deer, and does not my hon. and gallant Friend think more active steps should be taken?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

In many parts of the country increase in herds of deer are doing great damage to plantations, and it has become necessary elsewhere, as well as at Cannock Chase, to reduce their numbers. As far as I know, the reduction at Cannock Chase is considered sufficient for the moment as an experienced keeper from the New Forest who was sent there for the purpose has been allowed to return, but, if they increase and do more damage, we shall have to continue to keep the numbers down.

Mrs. WARD

Is there any evidence of deer being destroyed by persons other than those authorised by the Forestry Commission?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

Yes, I think that can be assumed. Of those which have been killed by the Forestry Commission's officers 40 per cent. are reported to have had wounds from smaller shot than is used by our employés.

39. Mrs. WARD

asked the hon. and gallant Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether any instructions are issued by the Forestry Commission to those persons responsible for the slaughter of the deer on Cannock Chase; and whether the local landowners are consulted in this matter?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

Instructions are issued by the Forestry Commission to those employés who are authorised to shoot deer on Cannock Chase, the most humane methods being employed as I stated on the 6th inst. to the hon. Member for Lichfield (Mr. Lovat-Fraser). Local landowners are not consulted in this matter, but those who had leased land to the Commission were informed of the measures it had become necessary to take.

Mrs. WARD

As there is such intense feeling in the locality, will the hon. and gallant Gentleman have the whole matter thoroughly investigated?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

Thorough investigation has already taken place and has shown that the Forestry Commission's employés are blamed for many things that are done by other people.

Mr. MANDER

Has the hon. Baronet any information as to who are the unauthorised persons who are destroying the deer?

Sir G. COURTHOPE

No doubt, those who are in occupation of small holdings and gardens which are ravaged by the deer.