§ 36. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food in which districts which were clear of rabbits last year they are now becoming re-established in considerable numbers; and to what extent farmers are co-operating to exterminate them in the rabbit clearance areas which he has designated.
Mr. AmoryAlthough a sprinkling of rabbits is now to be found in most areas, nowhere are they yet becoming reestablished in any considerable number. In statutory rabbit clearance areas, farmers generally, I am glad to say, are showing their willingness to co-operate in dealing with this pest.
§ Mr. HurdWill my right hon. Friend assure the House that his information is up to date? In the last three or four days I have heard of 12 rabbits being shot in North Hampshire and some more being run over by a motor car in Suffolk; it seems that they are coming back rather fast.
Mr. AmoryI think the numbers referred to would come within the definition of "sprinkling". At the same time, I am very anxious that I should know of any adverse developments in this matter, because, of course, the next few months will be of very great importance.
§ Dr. KingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that if there is anything more cruel than the wilful introduction of myxomatosis, it is the wilful re-introduction of rabbits so that they may be destroyed ultimately by myxomatosis? Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that that wilful re-introduction is not taking place?
Mr. AmoryI should be sorry to know that it was taking place on a considerable
2201 scale. I agree that we must do everything we possibly can now to ensure that the rabbit population does not build up.