§ 42. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that wild rabbits are selling at over 100 per cent, more than they were sold for in pre-war days; if he is aware that a number of rabbits are consumed by the working-class population in all parts of the country; if he is aware that rabbits are very destructive on agricultural land; and if he can see his way to engage a number of discharged soldiers for the purpose of netting and killing rabbits, to be put upon the various markets at a cost of not more than 25 per cent, over and above pre-war prices?
Captain BATHURSTI am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the hon. Member's question, but the adoption of measures, in addition to those provided by the Ground Game Act, for killing larger numbers of rabbits on agricultural land appears to be a matter for the consideration of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.