HC Deb 14 February 1888 vol 322 cc372-3
MR. S. SMITH (Flintshire)

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether he is aware that a private individual has recently introduced a considerable number of rabbits into British Columbia; whether he is aware that immense injury has resulted to the Australian Colonies from a similar introduction of rabbits into them; and, whether he can state if measures will be adopted, either by the Government of British Columbia or the Home Government, to put a stop to such importation as being injurious to the Colony?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)

I have received no information of the introduction of rabbits into British Columbia to which the hon. Member refers. I am, of course, aware of the great injury which has been wrought in the Australian Colonies by these animals; but, as in the case of those Colonies, so also in that of British Columbia, it rests entirely with the local Government to stop the importation, or take such other steps as may be thought necessary. I am not aware whether any action has been taken by the Government of British Columbia.