HC Deb 25 July 1933 vol 280 c2396
43. Mr. MANDER

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that there has been a large increase in the import of Australian rabbits into England as a result of the Ottawa Agreements, while British rabbit traps are still excluded from Australia by a prohibitive tariff; and whether he will take steps to remedy this state of affairs?

Major GEORGE DAVIES (Lord of the Treasury)

I have been asked to reply. There has been a continuous increase in the importation of Australian rabbits into the United Kingdom during the last five years. This trade is not, however, directly affected by the Ottawa Agreements. With regard to the last part of the question concerning the importation of rabbit traps into Australia, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs.

Mr. MANDER

Will my hon. and gallant Friend give the House an assurance that this matter will be borne in mind when the question of revising the Ottawa Agreements comes up in 1934

Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMS

Can my hon. and gallant Friend inquire from his right hon. Friend why only one-tenth of the rabbits were imported in June this year as compared with June of last year?