§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) how many attempts have been made to cull feral pigeons at Woolwich Arsenal during the current year; how many pigeons have been killed; what has been the effect on other wild birds; and whether the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was given prior notification in each case;
(2) what representations have been received from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals about the culling of pigeons at Woolwich Arsenal; and what reply has been given.
§ Mr. Norman LamontThree culls of feral pigeons have taken place at Woolwich Arsenal in 1985. One hundred and thirty-five pigeons were killed and no other wild birds were affected on these occasions. Under the terms of the licence granted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the regional pests control office was notified 10 days in advance that a cull would94W take place. This officer attended the cull on two of the three occasions. There is no requirement to give precise prior notification to the RSPCA and none was given.
On June 1985 a local inspector of the RSPCA inquired about the method of culling and the effects on other birds. Later that month officials at Woolwich Arsenal met the inspector and he declared himself satisfied with the methods employed.