§ 47. Brigadier Thorpasked the Minister of Agriculture why, in view of the increase in price of skinned rabbits, his executive committees are destroying rabbits by gassing; and what instructions he has issued.
Mr. T. WilliamsThe maximum reduction of the rabbit population is essential in the interests of food production. Gassing is a most effective method of destruction, and county agricultural executive committees have been instructed to employ this method whenever practicable, and especially after trapping, snaring or 1548 ferreting, so as to destroy any potential breeding stock which may remain.
§ Brigadier ThorpWould it not be better to use gas where trapping and snaring are not possible?
§ Sir G. JeffreysIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that gassing is not always the most effective way of destroying rabbits? If the soil is porous, or has tree roots in it, the gas escapes.
Mr. WilliamsI am satisfied from reports from agricultural executive committees that gassing is the best known means of destroying rabbits.