§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the action of his 169W Department with regard to the preservation of rooks, especially in view of the large number of wire-worm and similar insects in the newly ploughed-up land; and whether he has issued any advice to farmers on the subject?
Mr. Hudson:I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the Ministry's Advisory Leaflet No. 244 which calls attention to the beneficial character of this bird when its numbers are not excessive. County War Agricultural Executive Committees have been advised of the varied nature of the food of the bird and asked to satisfy themselves, before taking action under the Rooks Order, 1940, in regard to any particular rookery, that the rooks therein are on balance injurious to crops.