§ 57. Mr. Walkdenasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the extensive depredations of hares, rabbits, deer and other wild game upon crops of necessary foodstuffs, especially in newly cultivated areas, he will take steps for the suspension of the game laws and of all prohibitive customs and restrictive clauses against the taking of game in tenant 1462 farmers' agreements, so that all persons who are willing to assist in keeping down destructive game may do so without being penalised?
Mr. HudsonWhile I am aware of the importance in the interests of food production of the adequate control of game, I do not consider that action of the kind suggested is necessary to supplement my powers under Regulation 63 of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, to require inter alia the destruction of hares, rabbits, birds and deer. Powers have already been delegated to the county war agricultural executive committees in regard to rabbits, pheasants, deer and wood pigeons and the shooting season for grouse and pheasants has been extended.