§ 42. Mr. Woodasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a further statement on the experiments on the working of the humane rabbit trap.
§ Sir T. DugdaleFive thousand "Imbra" humane rabbit traps were sent to county agricultural executive committees in March and April. The trap shows that it will catch and kill rabbits humanely. The manufacturers have made a further improvement to the design and supplies of the modified trap will be sent to county agricultural executive committees. I shall receive reports from them when full-scale trapping is in progress following the harvest.
The Agricultural Departments have examined a number of other rabbit traps which are claimed to be humane. One of these, in particular, has shown possibilities on test in Scotland, but the tests are not yet complete.
§ Mr. WoodWhen does my right hon. and gallant Friend expect that a final decision on this trap and its efficiency will be reached?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI do not anticipate that it will be before the beginning of next year. Owing to technical difficulties, the traps were not available before the spring of this year, which was the end of the last trapping season. The new trapping season will not start until after the harvest, and then I want a full report from all over the country as to whether the trap is effective for its purpose. I shall expect to get it soon after Christmas.