§ Mr. Liddallasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will organise clubs in county areas to protect our food supply by reducing vermin of various kinds with which lands, now no longer preserved, and small holdings and allotments, have become increasingly infected?
Mr. HudsonWhilst the formation of local clubs for the purpose indicated by my hon. Friend might be of assistance in supplementing the organised efforts of the county war agricultural executive committees who are armed with very wide powers for securing the destruction of vermin, I think the matter is one for local rather than central initiative and organisation.
§ Mr. Liddallasked the right hon. and gallant Baronet the Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether they will take increased action to exterminate rats and wood pigeons on lands under their control?
§ Sir G. CourthopeAs all reasonable action is taken to keep down rats and wood pigeons on lands under the control of the Forestry Commissioners, increased action is not feasible, particularly as the staff in the supervisory grades has been so much reduced.