§ 53. Sir J. Lambasked the Minister of Agriculture whether any action has been taken by his Department to co-ordinate and ensure the killing of rabbits during the coming corn-cutting season; or, alternatively, will he consult with the Minister of Food with a view to decontrolling prices of rabbits during the month of August to encourage their destruction?
Mr. HudsonAn intensive campaign for the destruction of rabbits has been in progress since the making of the Rabbits Order in March, 1940. The powers conferred on county war agricultural executive committees by this Order enable them to deal with rabbits at all times, and I am satisfied that the aspect of the problem to which my hon. Friend refers will receive the attention of the committees.
§ Sir J. LambDoes the Minister realise that owing to the dry season a large number of rabbits are now hidden in the corn, and that this is the best time for dealing with them? Furthermore, is he aware that since the Home Guard was formed the public have given up guns in answer to the appeals made to them, and that it is no use farmers having ammunition without guns?
§ Mr. LawsonIf any men, formerly known as poachers, take part in this destruction, will they be summoned?
§ Mr. LawsonWhy do you not mobilise all the poachers in the country?