asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the restrictions on the shooting of game recently imposed upon German nationals by the British Element of the Allied Control Commission in Germany; and whether he will cause these restrictions to be abolished.

No new restrictions have recently been imposed in the British zone. On the contrary, an Ordinance was published on 1st July, 1949, permitting German nationals to possess sporting weapons and ammunition and to use them to shoot game, provided that they have a British zone game licence and firearms certificate and a German hunting licence. Licences are now being issued to Germans more liberally than in the past.

Even so, is the hon. Gentleman aware that such conditions have been abolished in the French zone and does he not agree that it seems rather absurd that at the time when we are establishing a Government for Germany we also issue an edict which prevents any German from going out to pot a rabbit unless he goes through the complicated business of getting a British permit?

I understand that the manufacture and sale of sporting firearms is being considered now by the Military Security Board. It is possible that after that a change of policy may arise.

Does not my hon. Friend consider that the Germans ought to be instructed to deal with these rabbits and other game by the safer method of bursting balloons, which it is reported was used for starting sporting events in Berlin recently?