HC Deb 25 April 1950 vol 474 cc766-7
31. Mr. Mathers

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, having regard to the fact that Part III of the Agriculture (Scotland) Act, 1948, has now been 'brought into force, what traps he has approved for the purposes of Section 51) (I) (b) of that Act.

Mr. McNeil

Pending the approval of a suitable type and make of trap and its production in sufficient quantities, I have by the Agriculture (Spring Traps) (Scotland) Order, 1950, authorised the use throughout Scotland of spring traps of any make for the purpose of killing hares and rabbits, provided that they are used only in rabbit holes.

Mr. Mathers

May I take- it that the principle on which the right hon. Gentleman is working is to see that the traps used are calculated to give the least suffering?

Mr. McNeil

I cannot add anything to the answer I have given.

Mr. Snadden

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that there will be no change except by regulation under the Act, and that until there are sufficient quantities of new traps available no such regulation will he presented?

Mr. McNeil

Until there are such quantities of spring traps, there will be no change.

Mr. Snadden

It will have to be done by regulation?

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Does that answer mean that the Minister has now brought the law applicable to Scotland into line with the law in England?