asked the Minister for Lands whether he proposes to introduce legislation making it illegal to trap and catch wild song birds.

Preparation of comprehensive legislation on the conservation of wildlife, including wild song-birds, is at an advanced stage.

Does this mean the Minister proposes to introduce legislation to prevent the trapping and catching of wild song birds?

Yes, the idea is for full protection of wild birds.

Most wild song birds are already protected.

Is it illegal to catch a linnet or a finch?

A finch certainly.

That is a separate question.

The Minister is not well up in birds.

This is something which a lot of people in the country do. They catch linnets.

I do not really know. I do not know a lot about wild life.

When is the legislation expected?

Is it illegal to put a blackbird in a cage?

Yes.

I am not an expert on caged birds.

I am not either. That is the reason I asked the question.