HC Deb 03 June 1954 vol 528 c1452
43. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Agriculture what investigations have been made by officers of his Department into the use in other countries of alternative and more humane forms of trap than the gin trap; and to make a statement.

Sir T. Dugdale

Inquiries have been made by my Department through the European Plant Protection Organisation and through diplomatic channels. I regret that, so far, they have not disclosed the use or development in other countries of more humane forms of trap than the gin trap.

Mr. Gower

Has the Minister noted the opinion which seems to be widely held, that the substitution of some other trap for the gin trap should be completed sooner than is now envisaged? Can he say to what extent that opinion is well founded?

Sir T. Dugdale

That is another question.

Mr. G. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that the hon. Member for Barry (Mr. Gower) is quite right? There is a wide field of opinion which is dissatisfied with the present position that four years will elapse before the gin trap is made illegal. Will he look at that again?

Sir T. Dugdale

I have gone most carefully into every detail, and I can assure the House that that is the very soonest it can be done.