HC Deb 03 February 1944 vol 396 cc1395-6
49. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the fact that a plague of rabbits were recently destroyed by gas; and whether this waste of food will be avoided by other methods of destruction.

Mr. Hudson

I am not aware of the particular case referred to by the hon. Member, but the use of cyanide gas is strongly advocated as a means of exterminating rabbits. Having regard to the damage caused by rabbits to food production, I am quite satisfied that the need for their destruction by all available means, including gassing, overrides any consideration of their food value.