§ 58. Sir Jocelyn Lucasasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now state the results of the experimental use of the new humane rabbit trap; and when it is hoped to make it available to farmers and others interested.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe experiments that are taking place have indicated that some further modifications are desirable in the trap now being tested. I should make it clear that I have no power to give formal approval or disapproval to a spring trap; it is for the producers of traps to determine how and when to market their wares. In this particular case we think the principle of the new design a good one, and my Department is helping the inventor; he himself is not yet satisfied with the details of his invention and would not wish it to be released for wider use until certain problems have been solved. We shall continue to assist in solving those problems.
§ Sir J. LucasMay we understand that at least the progress has been encouraging?
§ Sir T. DugdaleCertainly the progress has been encouraging, but we are not in the final stage yet.
§ Capt. J. A. L. DuncanIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that one of the difficulties of this new trap is the danger to other animals, such as pets, which might run into it accidentally, and the resulting cruelty would be worse than at present?
§ Sir T. DugdaleThere are very many problems which surround this question and all these are being taken into account.