§ 46. Mr. Symondsasked the Minister of Agriculture what progress reports he has received from county agricultural executive committees with regard to the reduction of rook populations; and if he is satisfied that his instructions to avoid indiscriminate slaughter are being observed.
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)I have received reports from all county agricultural executive committees. I am satisfied that my instructions have been carefully observed and that there has been no indiscriminate slaughter of rooks by committees.
§ Mr. SymondsIs it not a fact that in many areas there are large concentrations? How many of these concentrations have been destroyed up to 80 per cent. since the "blitz" began?
§ Mr. WilliamsI am afraid I cannot give the exact figure, but I can tell my hon. Friend that only in 15 cases was it necessary for a committee to enter lands through the private owner failing to comply with notices served upon him.