§ 24. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what conclusions he has reached following his study of the results of the trials of stupefying baits for the control of wood pigeons.
§ Mr. John MackieThe trials conducted by Ministry scientists and, more recently, by farmers operating under Ministry supervision indicate that stupefying baits may have some value in the local control of wood pigeons. There are, however, technical and administrative problems to be solved before the wider use of this method could be contemplated. These are now being studied.
§ Mr. IrvineIs the Minister aware that for many years pigeons have been a major menace to arable crops, and therefore this is a matter of urgency? Will he press on with it as much as he can? Is there any hope that this may also be used for sparrows in farms and finches in orchards?
§ Mr. MackieAs regards the last part of the question, the hon. Gentleman must know the feeling there is on anything of that nature of poisons or narcotics for dealing with pests. That is why we must be so careful. But we are pressing on with this. This consideration also applies to the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question.