§ 14 Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to include swans on the list of protected birds in order to preserve them, their cygnets and eggs, from unnecessary pain and destruction.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeWild swans are at present fully protected in 25 counties in England and Wales, and their eggs in 29 counties, by local orders made under the Wild Birds Protection Acts. I have no power to make additional orders except on application by the local authority. The Protection of Birds Bill now before Parliament will give full protection to wild swans throughout the country.
§ Mr. AwberyCould the Home Secretary give power to local authorities not only to protect the birds from destruction, 1764 but to provide them with food and shelter at the ponds and lakes where they congregate?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI should like to have a look at that aspect of the problem.