§ 43. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has completed his consideration of the relevant factors concerning the prohibition of gin traps in Scotland; and what steps he now proposes to take to ban their use there.
§ Mr. MaclayGin traps are now illegal in Scotland except for catching foxes and otters. The three related Orders made last October came into operation on the first of this month.
§ Mr. RankinCan the right hon. Gentleman say why he confers on the fox a privilege which he denies to every other wild creature in Scotland? Can he say why, since Friday last, 1st May, the fox is the only animal that has the legal right to enter a gin trap? In order to get rid of that anomaly, will he follow the good example of England and abolish the gin trap altogether?
§ Mr. MaclayNo, Sir. The difficulty is that no humane alternative to the gin trap has been discovered as yet for dealing with foxes and otters. Until an alternative is discovered, the gin trap must continue.
§ Mr. GaitskellCan the right hon. Gentleman explain why there should be this discrimination between English and Scottish foxes? What is the position if an English fox crosses the border into Scotland or if a Scottish fox crosses the border into England?
§ Mr. MaclayThat is a problem on which I must consult my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate.
§ Sir J. DuncanIf rabbits come back in a big way, these Orders may well make it extremely difficult to deal with them adequately. In that event, will my right hon. Friend be prepared to reconsider the matter?
§ Mr. MaclayI would have to think very carefully before I went back on the Orders which have been made.