§ Colonel Carverasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, as a result of the mild winter and early spring, there has been any increase in insect pests; and, if so, whether moderation will be observed in the destruction of birds?
Mr. HudsonI have no reason to sup-pose that the mild winter and early spring will cause any general increase in the number of injurious insects, since a mild winter favours some kinds of insects but is unfavourable to others. I strongly deprecate the destruction of mainly insectivorous birds.