Rabbits

HC Deb 08 February 1951 vol 483 c1933

51. Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Agriculture, as gassing rabbits makes them unsuitable for human consumption, what alternative methods of killing this pest he proposes to enable them to he used for food

Mr. T. Williams

The onus of destroying rabbits rests with owners and occupiers of land and they are at liberty to use any legal method of destruction. When rabbit destruction is carried out by county agricultural executive committees it is the normal practice first to trap or ferret and then follow up by gassing any residual breeding stock.

Mr. Bossom

In view of the rather small meat ration we have today, would the Minister consider recommendations that he should approve of other methods to destroy this pest?

Mr. Williams

We desire to catch as many rabbits alive as possible, but we must make doubly sure that the breeding stocks are disposed of, too.

Major Lloyd

In view of the great importance of getting rid of the Government, would the Minister place particulars in the Library?