HC Deb 29 November 1948 vol 458 cc1631-2
50. Mr. Anthony Greenwood

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that existing machinery for the destruction of pests is working satisfactorily in Northumberland.

Mr. G. Brown

Yes, Sir, on the whole.

Mr. Greenwood

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reassuring reply, will he tell us whether it was at the request of his Department that at the beginning of October the South Hertfordshire Beagles travelled all the way by road to Northumberland from Hertfordshire for the purpose of running after one hare for two and a half hours?

Mr. Brown

I am not sure whether my hon. Friend may not himself have been running after a hare. If he will put that Question down, I will inquire into it.

Brigadier Thorp

Are the Ministry considering issuing cartridges within reasonable limits for next year for rook shooting and carrion crow shooting in Northumberland?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Member will put that Question down.

Mr. Keeling

Has the Joint Parliamentary Secretary noted that the Leader of the Opposition has hoisted his standard in favour of fox hunting?

Mr. Brown

It did not look like a standard in the photograph which I saw.