§ 52. Mr. George Jegerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that serious damage is being done 804 to newly sown corn crops by pheasants, and will he instruct the county agricultural executive committees to treat pheasants as pests, and insist on their numbers being kept down.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI am aware that there have been isolated instances of damage by pheasants, and where necessary county agricultural executive committees have been given powers by Order, under Defence Regulation (63), to require pheasants to be destroyed. I see no grounds for treating pheasants generally as pests.
§ Mr. JegerWould my right hon. Friend see that the county agricultural executive committees are kept fully informed of their powers, and are urged to make speedy use of them?
§ Mr. WilliamsYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Joynson-HicksWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that if he desires any assistance in reducing the number of pheasants Members on this side of the House will be very glad to help him?
§ Mr. WilliamsI am sure that the hon. and gallant Member is fully aware of his capacity as a shot.