HC Deb 02 February 1954 vol 523 c195
41. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what inquiries have been made by his Department into the Caldra method of netting rabbits; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. J. Stuart

A technical officer of the Department of Agriculture has already examined the equipment used in the Caldra method, and Sir Eric de la Rue, the originator of the technique, has been good enough to arrange a demonstration for officials tomorrow night. The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare have published a pamphlet describing the method, and my Department will draw the attention of farmers to the technique.

Major Anstruther-Gray

Will my right hon. Friend be prepared to make a statement regarding the experiment which is to take place tomorrow night?

Mr. Stuart

Weather permitting—that is to say if the experiment takes place—I will do so.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the statement applies to rabbits gallivanting under fallen timber and sallying forth to ruin pastures and crops?

Mr. Stuart

I am afraid that Sir Eric de la Rue has not invented a contraption which will work under fallen timber.