§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that the poultry keepers in and around Rochford, Essex, are com- 2114W planning about the preservation of foxes in that district for the benefit of the Essex Union Hunt; if he is aware that the same people are complaining about the expense that they are put to of erecting wire-mesh fences and building strong poultry-houses to keep their live stock from being caught and devoured by foxes; if he is aware that not only do the foxes destroy domestic poultry but many wild rabbits; and if he will take action in the matter?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. It is usually considered a wise precaution for poultry keepers to build reasonably strong poultry-houses for the protection of their stock. For the last part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave last Wednesday.