§ 38. Mr. Hopkinasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can publish the report of his Land Commissioner on the effect of the rabbit pest on grassland and on the Commissioner's visit to Castell Gorfod, St. Clears, last month; and how many farms in that district have been abandoned owing to the rabbit pest?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe report provides evidence of the well-known difficulty of improving or profitably cultivating grasslands, if rabbits, either on the land in question or on adjoining lands, are allowed to multiply unchecked. It does not appear that the report reveals any facts sufficiently new or outstanding to warrant publication, but I shall be pleased to send the hon. Member a copy if he so desires. The report mentions that damage by rabbits is alleged to be the cause of certain tenants in this district quitting their farms, but I am unable to say definitely how many farms, if any, may have been abandoned for that reason.
§ Mr. HopkinWould the right hon. Gentleman consider bringing in a Bill to deal with Wales and the West of England only in regard to this matter?
§ Mr. MorrisonThe hon. Member will be aware of the position with regard to a Bill. A Select Committee of the House of Lords made certain proposals, and it is merely a question of Parliamentary time whether or not there can be any legislation along these lines during the present Session.