HC Deb 06 April 1914 vol 60 c1639W
Mr. VINCENT KENNEDY

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his Department has any record of the serious destruction of bird life in Ireland; if he can say what is the extent of the trade done in exporting song birds; is he aware of the cruel practices of bird-catchers in killing all hen birds when in quest of the song bird species goldfinch; and will his Department take any steps in the matter?

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL

The Department arc not charged with the administration of the Wild Birds Protection Acts, and they have no information on the matters referred to in this question. I understand that these Acts are at present the subject of inquiry by a Departmental Committee appointed by the Home Secretary.