§ 77. Major Beamishasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether it has been with his approval that there have been several recent instances under the scheme for eradicating rabbits of the burning of gorseland and scrubland with the object of trying to kill a small number of rabbits; whether he is aware that this burning has resulted in the destruction of numerous wild birds with their nests and eggs, most of which are protected by the Wild Birds Protection Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. NugentMy right hon. Friend's approval is not required for burning gorse and scrub except where this is undertaken by officers of my Department. The only case where approval has been given was for the burning of eighteen acres by the East Sussex A.E.C. on a common at The Hide, Arlington. Instructions have now been given that burning is not to be undertaken during the nesting season.