HC Deb 14 December 1937 vol 330 cc966-7
41. Mr. Lawson

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that certain farms are so leased that the farmer is not allowed the necessary freedom to destroy rabbits; that fields of corn are often almost destroyed by these pests; and whether he can take steps to assist the farmer in this respect?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

I am fully alive to the difficulties of some farmers in keeping their land free from rabbits, and to the extent of the damage they are liable to suffer. As regards rabbits on the farmer's own land, he has adequate rights under the Ground Game Act, 1880. The position arising from the incursion of rabbits from adjoining lands is dealt with in the report of the Select Committee of another place, and I am at present considering the question of legislation to give effect to the recommendation of the Committee.

Sir Joseph Lamb

Can my right hon. Friend say when that legislation is likely to be brought forward?

Mr. Lawson

Is the Minister aware that whole fields of wheat are being destroyed by these rabbits, and that in many cases farmers who wish to destroy them are under certain limitations in their leases; and will he speed up such legislation?

Mr. Morrison

In reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Sir J. Lamb), I should not like to commit myself as to when this legislation can be introduced. As the House is aware, I am making considerable demands upon its time already, and I hope the hon. Member will allow me to defer an answer until I see my way more clear. With regard to the question of the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson), the covenant in a lease which purports to restrict the rights of a tenant under the Ground Game Act is void by the Statute.

Mr. T. Williams

Will the Minister circulate to magistrates his wish that they should cease sending miners to prison for that sort of thing?