§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what research is being undertaken to develop an effective means of controlling wood pigeons.
§ Mr. John MackieResearch is being concentrated on the development of a selective baiting technique which would make it possible to do more field work on the use of stupefying baits, and of any other controlling agents that may be developed, with negligible risk to protected species and game birds.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has of damage to farm crops from wood pigeons.
§ Mr. John MackieThe estimated population of wood pigeons in Great Britain and their known feeding habits suggest that the cost of damage to farm crops is of the order of £2-£3 million a year.