HC Deb 27 November 1956 vol 561 c197
1. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Works what action he is taking this winter to dislodge the starlings that roost round Trafalgar Square and foul the monuments and pavements.

The Minister of Works (Mr. Patrick Buchan-Hepburn)

Experiments with a loudspeaker device are continuing. But even if these were successful, which I am bound to say is unlikely, the cost of a full installation would be very great. I am afraid I see no prospect at present of finding an effective method of dislodging the starlings which is both humane and economical.

Mr. Hurd

If my right hon. Friend does not see much hope of effective help from the scientists, would he consider calling in aid the sparrowhawk or the owl?

Mr. Buchan-Hepburn

I do not think I could control the sparrowhawk or the owl, and if it were a stuffed one I think the starlings would get used to it quite soon.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Could not the Government persuade these birds to spend the winter in Port Said or Jamaica?