THE EARL OF HADDINGTONMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any statement to make regarding the recommendations of the Standing Committee on the protection of British Wild Birds, and whether it is their intention to introduce new legislation for their protection.]
THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD SIMONDS)My Lords, the Advisory Committee on the Protection of British Wild Birds have made their Report, which is under the consideration of Her Majesty's Government. I am not in a position to make any statement yet as to the prospects of legislation on that matter.
THE EARL OF HADDINGTONMy Lords, I thank the noble and learned Lord for his reply. Those of us who are interested in this subject think that there has been a great deal of unnecessary delay over this matter, considering that two years have elapsed since I first had the privilege of bringing the subject up 924 in your Lordships' House. We hope that, if there is not time for legislation in this Session, Her Majesty's Government will give earnest consideration to bringing in legislation at the earliest opportunity during next Session.
THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I think I can assure the noble Earl that that consideration will be given. According to the note which I have, which does not perhaps entirely agree with what the noble Earl said, the recommendations of the Advisory Committee were not submitted until September of last year. I agree that some months have elapsed since then, but there have been many matters for the consideration of Her Majesty's Government.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, may I say one word in support of the noble Earl, Lord Haddington? After all, from September of last year until now is a considerable time to have elapsed, and this is an important matter. I hope I may ask the noble and learned Lord on the Woolsack to see that the consideration of the Report is speeded up.