§ 50. Sir P. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture what remedial steps have been taken by county war agricultural executive committees in view of the further destruction of poultry and lambs by foxes, of which details have been sent to him; and whether he will make it clear to these committees that they must exercise their powers to kill when the local hunts do not remove the pest?
Mr. HudsonA number of committees have, in order to deal more effectively with the pest, been given compulsory powers under the Defence Regulations. I am prepared to consider the extension of these powers to any other war agricultural committee in whose area foxes cannot be successfully controlled through the local hunts or otherwise.
§ Sir P. HurdHas the Minister considered the facts given to him with regard 300 to work in one particular area? Have definite instructions been given to that committee to take action?
Mr. HudsonI am not aware of the particular case which my hon. Friend has in mind, but if he will let me know about it, I will look into it.
§ Sir P. HurdI have already let the Minister know.