HC Deb 22 May 1952 vol 501 cc642-3
13. Sir H. Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now make a statement about the efforts being made to cope with the excessive number of starlings.

Sir T. Dugdale

I have now consulted my colleagues concerned, and I am arranging, in collaboration with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government, for immediate discussion on the problem with representatives of the National Farmers' Union, the Assocation of Municipal Corporations and the Metropolitan Boroughs Standing Joint Committee. In the light of this examination we will then consider whether any action can be taken that is likely to be effective.

Mr. Nicholson

Will my right hon. and gallant Friend take care not to go too far in this direction, as starlings are an integral part of London life? May I suggest that perhaps a statue of my right hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, East (Sir H. Williams), might do something to scare the starlings?

Mr. Rankin

Can the Minister tell us what number of starlings constitutes an excessive number?

Sir T. Dugdale

That is a rather hypothetical question.

Mr. Rankin

But if the Minister proposes to take action in conjunction with his officials to deal with the excessive number of starlings, surely he should know what constitutes an excessive number?

Sir T. Dugdale

First we should be sure exactly what the problem is. I think it is a complicated one.