HC Deb 12 March 1923 vol 161 cc1026-7
43. Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the introduction by the Government last year of a Bill for the purpose of giving to occupiers of agricultural holdings protection against the invasion of their crops by rabbits from adjoining land, he will consider the introduction of similar legislation during the present Session of Parliament?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir R. Sanders)

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply I gave to him on the 26th ultimo.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

If a Bill was necessary last year, is it not necessary also this year, having regard to the fact that in the interval rabbits have shown no decrease.

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed a statement which appeared lately in a London newspaper to the effect that grievous losses were caused by rabbits in this and other lands, but that even greater trouble has been caused in this country by the invasion of the indomitable Scot?

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Is not that due to the fact that Scotland—

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot now debate that particular subject.

Mr. SHEPPERSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman give facilities for a. private Bill to remove the evil?

Sir R. SANDERS

What? To kill rabbits!

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