HC Deb 27 January 1947 vol 432 cc607-8
61. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture what success has attended the formation of grey squirrel shooting clubs and what cost to public funds has been involved.

Mr. T. Williams

Gratifying success has been achieved by grey squirrel clubs, which now number 320 in 27 counties. During last winter and spring they accounted for some 60,000 grey squirrels at a cost to public funds of less than £1,000, being the expenditure on the free issue of cartridges. Results of the present winter's campaign are not yet available.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Has not the right hon. Gentleman yet appointed a grey squirrel shooting enforcement officer?

Mr. Gerald Williams

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the 4.10 cartridges, in future would the Minister issue only twelve-bore cartridges?