§ Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to prevent the random and wholesale slaughter of birds by the use of poisoned grain; and if he will make a statement regarding the scale of this bird killing and also state what advice he has given to farmers on the matter.
§ Mr. BishopSuch action would be illegal except under licence for controlling those species scheduled as pests, and offenders are liable to prosecution under the Protection of Birds Act which is administered by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. I am not aware of any general infringement of the law here, but in view of some reported incidents which have recently come to notice, my right hon. Friend and I welcome this opportunity of reminding all concerned that the provisions of the Act must be observed.