§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware of complaints prevalent throughout Ireland of the unprecedented amount of damage done to crops this season by crows, rooks, and daws, now more numerous than ever, owing to the restrictions on guns and ammunition; why the Department has not, in the interest of the food supply, taken precautions against this danger; and, seeing that most rookeries are on the lands of persons who do not till, whether an Order will now be issued for the destruction of all rookeries?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Department of Agriculture are fully aware of the importance of tins matter, and they have been in communication with the police and military authorities as to what practical steps can be taken. I believe arrangements have been made for authority to be given to manufacturers to supply shot to dealers for sale to holders of licences issued by the Royal Irish Constabulary. No additional Order under the Defence of the Realm Regulations appears to be called for.