HC Deb 11 April 1940 vol 359 cc704-5
58. Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in certain parts of the country wood-pigeons are not classified as vermin, and therefore, the police can prosecute in cases where action to destroy these pests is taken on Sundays; and, in view of the urgent importance of using every effort to reduce their number, whether he will at once introduce legislation to enable these birds to be shot on Sundays?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I am not quite clear in what circumstances prosecutions have been brought against owners or occupiers, or persons authorised by them, who shoot wood-pigeons on their land on Sundays; and if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any case I will go into the matter with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs, who is responsible for the administration of the Wild Birds Protection Acts.