HC Deb 15 April 1946 vol 421 cc2338-9
46. Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider if arrangements for the complete extermination of wild rabbits in this country by humane methods of destruction would be of advantage to agriculture; and whether he will take steps to initiate a campaign of extermination in order to end the present suffering caused by the inhumane trapping methods.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

I have no doubt that the complete extermination of wild rabbits in this country would be to the advantage of agriculture, but it is an objective which, unfortunately, is very difficult to reach. The county agricultural executive committees have been engaged since the outbreak of war on an active campaign of rabbit destruction, and I have recently again impressed on them the desirability of following up the autumn control measures by gassing at this season wherever practicable, in order to destroy the breeding stock.

Sir T. Moore

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that public opinion is strongly opposed to the continued and unnecessary retention of steel-mouthed traps; and will he not put his foot down?

Mr. Price

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that sometimes the use of these traps is the only way of dealing with the pests?

Sir T. Moore

Oh, nonsense.