HC Deb 13 February 1945 vol 408 cc52-3W
Mr. De la Bère

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will draw the attention of the commandants in charge of Italian collaborators who work on the land to the practice, particularly prevalent in Norfolk, of these Italians in snaring wild birds; and whether, in view of the fact that the type of snare most commonly used is a cruel weapon con- sisting of a bow with a double string, he will give instructions that this practice is to cease.

Sir T. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of complaints of cruelty to animals and birds by Italian prisoners of war in Norfolk; and will he take steps to terminate this practice.

Sir J. Grigg

Existing instructions forbid the use of snares by Italian prisoners of war and disciplinary action would be taken against any prisoners proved guilty of disobeying them. As far as I am aware no complaints have been made to camp commandants that they have been disobeyed.