HC Deb 13 March 1956 vol 550 cc219-20
38. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Works what success his Department is having with the experimental use of various devices to prevent starlings from roosting on public buildings and monuments in Trafalgar Square, and other places in London, where they cause nuisance.

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

I fear the recent experiments, like earlier ones, have been unsuccessful.

Mr. Hurd

Is my right hon. Friend playing a lone hand against the starlings that are found in public places in central London, or has he called in aid the ingenuity of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research to see if it can clear them off?

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

Everything is being called in aid. As my hon. Friend knows, we tried an ultra-sonic vibrator, because it was thought the birds would hear that and human beings would not, but it does not seem to work. Experiments are now being made with a low-power loud speaker which makes a low whistling noise.

Mr. Chetwynd

Can the Minister say where he expects the birds to go to when they leave this particular place?