asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the number of blackbirds and thrushes which have been caught and trapped for edible purposes; and whether he can take steps to prevent the wholesale slaughter of these singing birds?

I have no information to support the suggestion that large numbers of these birds are being taken for the purpose mentioned, but if my hon. Friend can give me any particulars I will have further inquiry made.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the food value of these birds is negligible, and that their extermination would be a national calamity? Is he aware of the thrill which men who come back from overseas get on seeing and hearing these wild birds? Will he look into the matter if I give him information?

Yes, Sir. We have so far had only one complaint on this matter, and that was without details which would enable us to investigate. I am sure that the bird population as a whole is anxious to play its full part in the war effort.

Is the hon. Member aware that these birds are going, as food, not to those people who need food, but to many what eat too much already? Is it not a scandal that these birds should be killed for such a purpose?