asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that in certain parts of the country wood-pigeons are not classified as vermin, and therefore, the police can prosecute in cases where action to destroy these pests is taken on Sundays; and, in view of the urgent importance of using every effort to reduce their number, whether he will at once introduce legislation to enable these birds to be shot on Sundays?

I am not quite clear in what circumstances prosecutions have been brought against owners or occupiers, or persons authorised by them, who shoot wood-pigeons on their land on Sundays; and if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any case I will go into the matter with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Home Affairs, who is responsible for the administration of the Wild Birds Protection Acts.