§ Mr. Crowderasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, whether he is aware that the agreement between the Government and manufacturers and other interests for restrictions on the use of toxic dressings and pesticides has proved ineffective as a safeguard for the smaller birds; and what further steps he proposes to take to protect birds and other wild life from the harmful effect of these chemicals.
§ Mr. SoamesThere has been a notable improvement this year and very few deaths of wild birds, whether large or small have been reported to the Agricultural Departments so far. On the evidence to date the agreed restrictions on certain cereal seed dressings are proving generally effective. No further steps are contemplated at the moment, but a close watch is being kept on the situation and the whole position will be reviewed after the end of the season in consultation with the chemical industry, with wild life societies and other interests concerned.