§ 7. Captain Duncanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the present situation regard- 170 ing rabbit extermination in Scotland; and what new measures he has under consideration to prevent their increasing again.
§ Mr. J. StuartAll areas of Scotland have been affected by myxomatosis. Nearly two-thirds of the total land area has been designated as rabbit clearance areas. It is too early to assess the results of the campaign so far. At the present the survivors of myxomatosis are undoubtedly multiplying rapidly in some places. I am not considering any new measures, but it is clear that an intensified application of the present measures will be needed once the crops are harvested and natural cover dies back. Meantime efforts to eliminate rabbits should not be abated.
§ Captain DuncanHas my right hon. Friend heard of the suggestion made by the farmers' representatives in Scotland that a myxomatosis bank should be kept by the Government and used to re-spread the disease in order to keep rabbits down? Even if that would mean introducing legislation, will my right hon. Friend consider it?
§ Mr. StuartI have indeed heard of the suggestion, but I must point out to my hon. and gallant Friend that the Advisory Committee on Myxomatosis has advised against it.