§ 23. Mr. John MacLeodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many rabbit boards have been set up in Scotland similar to the Easter Ross Rabbit Board; and what co-operation there is between the Department of Agriculture and such boards.
§ Lord John HopeMany voluntary organisations have been set up to further the rabbit clearance campaign in Scotland, and I understand that about fifteen of these have grouped themselves together to employ skilled trappers on the line followed in Easter Ross. There are no formal arrangements for official cooperation with these bodies, but there is much informal contact between them and the agricultural executive committees.
§ Mr. MacleodDoes not my noble Friend agree that there should be far more co-operation, because the rabbit is becoming a menace once more and this could be used as a pilot scheme, as it has been very successful in Easter Ross? Would he encourage other people to form such boards?
§ Lord John HopeYes, Sir.