asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the scale on which the stealing of poultry from farms is now being conducted; what information he has about the mode of operating of the thieves; and what special measures of protection are being taken.

I am aware that an increase in poultry stealing from farms has been reported, but I do not know on what scale it is now taking place, nor the methods adopted by the thieves. Apart from taking all practicable precautions themselves, any poultry keepers who have reason to believe that special measures of protection are necessary should approach the local police.

Would it not be better to remove the precedent for these operations initiated by a Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Can the Minister say how many legs the thief has?