HC Deb 21 February 1949 vol 461 cc1584-5
50. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will arrange for a supply of cheap cartridges to be provided through the National Farmers' Union to enable farmers to destroy pigeons, rooks and jays before these birds seriously interfere with the crops for this year.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

Following discussions with the National Farmers' Union a supply of cheap cartridges will be made available, through county agricultural executive committees, to farmers and others taking part in rook shoots organised by the committees. I do not feel justified in providing cheap cartridges for the destruction of wood pigeons and jays.

Mr. Bossom

How can the Minister tell which is which when they are all picking up the seed?

Mr. Williams

I do not tell which is which; it is the fellow who goes out shooting who does that.