§ 50. Mr. Higgsasked the Minister of Food if he is aware that it is not worth 720 while catching rabbits to sell them at the controlled price and, owing to the rapid increase in the numbers of these pests, can he see his way clear to allow them to be sold in a free market.
§ Colonel LlewellinNo, Sir. The present prices are sufficient to encourage the killing of rabbits where trapping can be effectively used. Moreover, I am advised that, apart from the usual seasonal increase, the number of wild rabbits in the country has generally decreased.
§ Mr. HiggsIs the Minister aware that rabbits are on the increase again now, that they are being gassed, and that that is destroying human food? Will he not, therefore, give further consideration to the matter?
§ Colonel LlewellinRabbits always do increase about this time of the year.
§ Mr. WoodburnIf the Minister has any difficulty about this pest, will he invite the workers to help him get rid of it?
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenWill my right hon. and gallant Friend keep a close watch on the agitation for an increased price in commodities like rabbits as the price is already 250 per cent. higher than before the war?
§ Colonel LlewellinIt is not as high as that: it is about zoo per cent. However, I fully agree with my hon. Friend, and I am not inclined to increase these prices.