HC Deb 14 February 1940 vol 357 cc770-1W
Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, whilst recognising the necessity for extending the pheasant shooting season from 1st February to 1st March, 1940, Members may have an assurance that this is not to be taken as a precedent for altering the laws of the close season for other game or a general alteration of the game laws?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

No question of a general alteration of the game laws arises. The effect of the Defence (Close Seasons) Regulations, 1940, which were made under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, was merely to extend the season for shooting pheasants during this year, and no other relaxation of the game laws was involved.