§ 50. Sir William Davisonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the damage which is being done throughout the country to crops and timber by rabbits; and whether he will initiate active steps to exterminate this agricultural pest, which is seriously damaging our national food production effort?
Mr. HudsonYes, Sir. The damage done by rabbits to food production in this country is out of all proportion to their value as food. I should like to see them completely exterminated, were that possible. Meanwhile active steps are being taken under the Rabbits Order by County War Agricultural Executive Committees for the destruction of this pest. I am satisfied that the campaign has already met with a considerable measure of success, and I am impressing on committees that there must be no relaxation of effort in this direction during the spring and summer.
§ Sir W. DavisonIs my right hon. Friend aware that large numbers of the public do not realise what he has just said; and will he not consider the issue of some kind of circular to the Press pointing out the enormous amount of foodstuffs eaten by these pests which materially militates against our food production?
Mr. J. J. DavidsonWill my right hon. Friend keep in mind that large numbers of the public cannot get on to many acres of land in order to deal with these animals?
§ Mr. HannahAre not moles even more pestilential than rabbits?
§ Sir Joseph LambWas it not a mistake for the Minister of Food to control the price of rabbits?