HC Deb 08 November 1955 vol 545 cc1645-6
35. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Works if he is aware of the filth which starlings roosting around Trafalgar Square are depositing on the monuments and on passers-by; and what further efforts are to be made to scare these birds away from this area.

Mr. Birch

No method which is both humane and effective has yet been devised. Research is continuing.

Mr. Hurd

As this nuisance seems to get worse day by day, will the Minister consider offering a prize to ingenious people, as that might result in the production of some device?

Mr. Birch

We have under consideration a device—an ultrasonic vibrator—which we hope will be effective.

Mr. Dugdale

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Corporation of Birmingham has an instrument which is designed to terrify starlings and which emits a sound great enough to terrify any Member of Parliament but which has no effect whatever on any starling in Birmingham?