§ 37. Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that fox and stag-hunting damages agriculture, handicaps the food supply, discourages the allotment industry, takes away fit men and women from productive work, and so is detrimental to the national interests; and will he take steps to procure its prohibition?
§ Mr. RamsbothamCareful consideration has been given to the effects of hunting upon the national economy in war time, but my right hon. Friend, as at present advised, sees no sufficient reason for adopting the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. LeachAm I to take it that the right hon. Gentleman is somewhat indifferent about the food supply?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI suppose the hon. Gentleman refers to damage done by foxes to poultry, and I would point out that it is the foxes that do the damage and not the hunting.
§ Mr. John MorganWill the Department of Agriculture find any objection if farmers take this matter in hand themselves and destroy the foxes?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI gather that the Master of Foxhounds Association is fully alive to the importance of damage to poultry, and measures have in fact been taken with a view to reducing the fox population well below the normal.