§ 63. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture what special plans he has for dealing with the growing pest of rabbits in Kent before the spring crops start coming up.
Mr. T. WilliamsThe responsibility for dealing with rabbits rests with owners and occupiers of land, and at a conference in July last representatives of the N.F.U. and the Country Land Owners' Association unanimously agreed that owners and occupiers should co-operate in voluntary area schemes of control. I have asked county agricultural executive committees to give every assistance they can in the planning of these schemes. I understand that at a meeting in Kent, in October last, of all interests concerned, it was agreed that clearance schemes should be organised in two extensive areas in the county and that a campaign against the rabbit should be organised by means of a "Rabbit Week" starting on 25th January. If farmers and landowners attack this problem vigorously and urgently, any damage by rabbits to spring crops should be largely avoided.
§ Mr. BossomDoes the Minister realise how serious this situation happens to be at the present time? Will he not allow people to have cheap cartridges or give them some other help?
Mr. WilliamsI am fully aware of the existence of a large number of rabbits, but I am sure that if landowners did their duty they could get rid of them.
§ Earl WintertonIn view of the great importance of Rabbit Week, will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Prime Minister to make a speech at the beginning of it?