HC Deb 02 August 1951 vol 491 cc1621-2
52. Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Agriculture what are the results of his experiments with suitable rabbit traps to replace the gin-trap; and can he give any indication as to when these alternative traps will be on the market.

Mr. Champion

I cannot, at present, add to the answer my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member for Solihull (Mr. M. Lindsay) on 12th July.

Sir T. Moore

While appreciating the humane quantities of the Minister of Agriculture, may I ask if the hon. Gentleman is not aware that the public—including farmers—are becoming very gravely concerned at the continuous use of this barbarous instrument, the gin-trap?

Mr. Champion

My right hon. Friend is very anxious that the experiments taking place should be absolutely complete before we encourage the placing of this instrument on the market.

55. Sir T. Moore

asked the Minister of Agriculture the results of the voluntary area schemes initiated under his auspices last year for the reduction of the rabbit population.

Mr. Champion

The work of organising co-operative schemes has made good progress in many counties and is being steadily extended. In some counties good results have already been achieved, but the full effect of the cam- paign will not be felt until after the autumn attack.

Sir T. Moore

What has been reported as the most successful method of reducing the rabbit population?

Mr. Champion

That is another question.

Mr. Nally

Would my hon. Friend explain the extraordinary circumstances in which rabbits are regarded as vermin? If that is the case, and voluntary area schemes are being encouraged, why is it that the housewife is ruthlessly fleeced when buying dead rabbits, which are regarded by his Department as vermin?

Mr. Champion

That is a question for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food, not for my Department.