§ 68. Lord SCONEasked the Minister of Agriculture the areas in which musk rat colonies are known to exist and the number of musk rats estimated to be at liberty throughout the country, together with the steps taken during the summer to exterminate them?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Elliot)Musk rats are known to be at large in parts of Shropshire and the counties immediately adjoining, and also in West Sussex and adjacent parts of Surrey and Hampshire. Thirty-six trappers have been employed in searching for and trapping the animals, of which 2,587 have been caught since the passing of the Destructive Imported Animals Act, 1932. During the past six months 295 musk rats have been caught in the Shropshire area and 68 in the West Sussex area. No reliable estimate can be made of the number of musk rats at large in the country.
§ Mr. ATTLEEHas the right hon. Gentleman information as to the birth-rate as well as the death-rate?
§ Mr. ELLIOTNo, Sir, but I am informed that the housing problem presents great difficulties?
§ Mr. STOURTONCan my right hon. Friend give an estimate of the number of cockchafers at large in Lancashire?