HC Deb 23 April 1959 vol 604 cc569-70
1. Sir A. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the numbers of wood-pigeons killed in the recent shoots arranged by county pests officers; and what was the cost falling on the public funds.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John Hare)

It is estimated that about 30,000 wood-pigeons were killed in recent shoots in England and Wales and the cost to public funds was approximately £6,000.

Sir A. Hurd

It sounds a useful bag, although the cost was considerable. Will my right hon. Friend say whether he has any further plans for dealing with this pest?

Mr. Hare

Yes. During the last three or four years a good deal of research has been going on into nest destruction as a method of control, and I hope to be able to say something about this very shortly.

6. Sir C. Taylor

asked the Minister of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that pigeons have been destroyed in various parts of the country by nicotine poisoning; and, as this may cause danger to both human and animal life, what action he proposes to take.

Mr. John Hare

I have seen reports of this. I am making inquiries and will write to my hon. Friend.

Sir C. Taylor

Is my right hon. Friend aware that pigeons have been picked up in a dead or dying condition over a wide area and that one pigeon submitted to Cambridge University contained sufficient nicotine poisoning to kill six men? Is my right hon. Friend aware of the tremendous danger to cattle, dogs and even human beings if this is allowed to continue?

Mr. Hare

In the area in which I am making the investigation, general warnings have been given to the public by the police and other authorities. I am investigating the matter and, as I have said, will let my hon. Friend know the result. I do not think it is as widespread, however, as he has indicated.

Sir C. Taylor

Could not a warning be given on the B.B.C.?

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