§ 25. Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many cartridges have been issued for wood pigeon shoots; and what are the conditions for obtaining them.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. G. R. H. Nugent)Since 1st September, 1953, when the half-price cartridge scheme was introduced, nearly 11 million cartridges have been issued for wood pigeon shoots. The cartridges are provided only to people taking part in organised shoots or to individual experts shooting over decoys.
§ Mr. CrouchHave any counties particular conditions attached to the issue of cartridges? Is my hon. Friend satisfied that there is no abuse of this very useful scheme for keeping down the number of pigeons?
§ Mr. NugentI understand that Dorset has a scheme by which it requires pigeons' feet to be handed in as evidence of the pigeons shot. Other counties do not, I think, employ such methods, but they do keep close oversight to see that the scheme is not abused.
§ Mr. NugentIt is obviously impossible to give precise figures, but I can give an estimate. Since 1st September, 1953, it is estimated that the total kills were just over 4 million, 2¾ million by organised shoots and 1¼ million by specialist shots. The returns, however, up to 31st March, 1955, are not yet complete.
§ Mr. CrouchIn view of the fact that in Dorset pigeon's feet are asked for as evidence, can my hon. Friend say how many piegons have been destroyed in Dorset?
§ Mr. NugentMy hon. Friend had better put that question on the Order Paper.