HC Deb 11 June 1953 vol 516 cc27-8W
50. Mr. R. Robinson

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to a pamphlet recently circulated by the Forestry Commission containing hints on the control of grey squirrels in which one of the recommended methods of disposing of squirrels is to coax them into a sack and then kill them by a sharp blow on the head with a stick; and whether, in view of the cruelty which can be involved in attempting to aim a lethal blow at the head of a squirrel when hidden in a sack, he will take steps to have this pamphlet withdrawn and amended at an early opportunity.

Sir T. Dugdale

The method suggested for killing trapped squirrels is based on practical experience, but I will certainly consider whether these instructions should be amended.