HC Deb 04 August 1947 vol 441 cc1156-7

Lords Amendment: In page 83, line 10, leave out subsection (3) and insert: (3) Section four of the Prevention of Damage by Rabbits Act, 1939 (which allows the use in rabbit holes of poisonous gas, and the placing in rabbit holes of substances generating poisonous gas by evaporation or in contact with moisture) shall apply to the use of such gas and the placing of such substances in any hole, burrow or earth for the purpose of killing animals to which this section applies.

Mr. T. Williams

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

Mr. M. Philips Price (Forest of Dean)

I would like to have an explanation from the Minister on this, because the Lords have deleted Subsection (3) of the original Bill which lays down provisions for the poisoning or destroying of rats. They are inserting another provision which has nothing to do with the poisoning of rats, and deals with the gassing of rabbits. The Minister, I am sure, will agree that the destruction of rats and mice, as well as rabbits, is extremely important for our food campaign. It is not, I submit, possible to deal with rats entirely by gas. There are recognised ways, and the pest officers of the agricultural committees have all the methods for assisting farmers, and contracts are now being made between farmers and county committees which make it possible to deal with the rat menace. I am disturbed at this Subsection being completely deleted by the Lords Amendment, because that will mean that it will not be possible to continue with mehods that are efficient. If the Minister will allay my fears, I shall be very glad, because I think a handicap will be imposed on the farming community if this proposal should go through.

Mr. T. Williams

I can reassure my hon. Friend at once. Rats and mice can still be disposed of under Section 8 of the 1911 Act. The effect of the Amendment is to allow the gassing of animals to which this Clause applies only in their holes or earths, instead of the use of poison in the open, as at present provided in the Bill. This is an asset. The noble Lords in another place have done a job which we would desire to be done.

Mr. Philips Price

May I assume that the 1911 Act makes this Clause of the original Bill unnecessary?

Mr. Williams

indicated assent.

Question put, and agreed to.