§ 51. Mr. R. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that many agriculturists hold the view that the rook is not a pernicious influence on the land but is regarded as an invaluable destroyer of insects and similar pests; and whether, in connection with his new Order to war executive committees, he will recommend the maximum discretion in respect of their destruction?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithYes, Sir, and in my instructions to county war agricultural executive committees I have stressed the point that as the object of the Rooks Order is the proper control of the rook population and not necessarily the complete destruction of rookeries or rooks, they should satisfy themselves before taking action in regard to any particular rookery that the rooks therein are, on balance, injurious to crops.