HC Deb 03 July 1941 vol 372 cc1488-9
49. Sir Percy Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to prevent the wholesale destruction of poultry by foxes, as in the instance brought to his notice by the hon. Member for Devizes, when 135 pullets and 35 turkeys were destroyed; and whether he will, through his liaison officers in the various regions of the country, urge county war agricultural committees to give serious attention to this matter?

Major Dugdale

My right hon. Friend is satisfied that, generally speaking, county war agricultural executive committees are taking appropriate steps in this matter. He is making inquiries into the particular instance quoted, and informs me that in any case where it appears that the action taken by a committee is inadequate, he will bring the matter to the notice of the committee concerned.

Sir P. Hurd

Have the county committees really any power in this matter? Owing to war conditions, the local hunts are much restricted in their activities, and this is really a serious menace, which the county committees ought to have greater power to deal with.

Major Dugdale

I understand that the local committees have ample power to deal with the matter.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Will the Government revive fox-hunting?