§ 36. Mr. M. Lindsayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now consider introducing legislation for further protection of wild birds, as recommended 16 months ago by the Ilchester Committee.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on 29th January to a Question by the hon. Member for Southampton, Test (Dr. King).
§ Mr. LindsayWill my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that the number of many of our finest wild birds is falling alarmingly, particularly wild geese, and that a more up-to-date Act is required?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeYes, Sir. I have the matter constantly under consideration. In view of the pressure of legislation I hope that hon. Members who are interested will consider well in advance the desirability of this as a subject for a Private Member's Bill.
§ Mr. SnowWhile acknowledging our indebtedness to the hon. Member for Solihull (Mr. Lindsay) for putting this Question on the Order Paper, may I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he is aware that such a Measure would receive support from all sides of the House and that a breath of clean country air in this Chamber might do some of us a lot of good?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI agree with both parts of the hon. Member's question.
§ Sir T. MooreIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that there is a Private Member's Bill before the House and that it is constantly obstructed every Friday when it comes up for Second Reading?
§ Mr. LindsayWill my right hon. and learned Friend bear in mind that the Bill of my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore) is extremely limited?