§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the effect of the current foot-and-mouth epidemic on shooting, he will seek to extend the present shooting season for the first three weeks in February, 1968 in order to ensure that there is adequate destruction of cock pheasants which might otherwise be prejudicial to farming interests.
§ Mr. CallaghanLegislation would be needed to alter the close season for pheasants and other game birds. Circumstances would at present not justify it, but I shall look at the position again nearer the end of the season.