§ Sir R. Glynasked the Home Secretary whether he will obtain a return from each county police authority to state what are classified in each county area of England and Wales as vermin; whether he will then state whether pigeons appear in the list of each county; and, if not, in which counties they are listed as vermin?
§ Sir J. AndersonI assume that by "classification as vermin," my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the power of the Secretary of State to make orders on the application of the local authority to deprive particular species of birds of the protection conferred by the Wild Birds Protection Acts. In the case of the wood pigeon such action has been taken in seven administrative counties—Devonshire, Dorsetshire, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Lincolnshire (Kesteven), West Sussex and Worcestershire. Elsewhere the wood pigeon is protected during the close season by Section 3 of the Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880, but that Section does not prevent the owner or1148W occupier of any land, or any person authorised by him, from killing or taking wood pigeons on such land. The period of protection for all wild birds has been extended in many areas to all Sundays and in 16 county boroughs to the whole of the year, but I am advised that the exception in favour of owners and occupiers still holds good in these cases. If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me particulars of any areas where difficulties are arising, I shall be prepared to communicate with the local authorities concerned.