§ 45. Mr. Wainwrightasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the financial help and advice he intends to give to the farming industry so that the amount of craps destroyed by the ever-increasing number of wood-pigeons can be greatly reduced.
8Wing countries about the future level of prices and supplies.
Where home production of pigmeat is concerned, I expect some increase during the current year. Continued expansion in our awn herd would mean getting further out of line with the capacity of the market.
Mr. VaneThe wood-pigeon is a major agricultural pest in many areas. The widespread shooting campaign earlier this year produced good results. To obtain full advantage it needs to be followed up with systematic nest destruction and I would urge all occupiers to try to take action in the present nesting season. Properly done, nest destruction can reduce the number of young birds by as much as two-thirds. Two operations are essential. The best times are the last week in July and the second week in September. In conjunction with agricultural organisations, I am arranging for widespread publicity, including a leaflet on the methods that should be used. If nest destruction is done through rabbit clearance societies, half of approved expenditure is met by Exchequer grant.