HC Deb 26 October 1944 vol 404 cc344-5
51. Mr. Arthur Duckworth

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether there is now any justification for the use of steel traps in the open contrary to the provisions of the Prevention of Damage by Rabbits Act, 1939; and whether he will revoke that Section of Defence Regulation 63 which permits this practice.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. R. S. Hudson)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 24th October to my hon. Friend the Member for Gillingham (Sir R. Gower).

Mr. Price

Will the right hon. Gentleman see to it, if these steel traps must he used, that they are used only by competent persons, and then only when it is absolutely necessary and in cases where no other method of catching can be used?

Mr. Hudson

I am looking into the whole matter.