HC Deb 19 May 1965 vol 712 cc1447-8
28. Mr. J. E. B. Hill

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is satisfied with the progress of the Rabbit Clearance Scheme; and to what extent he is using his powers to compel land to be cleared of rabbits.

Mr. John Mackie

Rabbit clearance societies by now cover about half the agricultural land in England and Wales, to very good effect, but there is plenty of room for more farmers and other occupiers to join societies or form new ones. Our officers are looking out for rabbits all the time and follow up all reported infestations. When necessary, statutory action is taken against occupiers to bring their rabbits under control.

Mr. Hill

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that his policy is strong and effective enough? Is he considering the possibility of compulsory membership? If not, what steps is he taking to make his own officials rather more active and not waiting for problems, but seeing for themselves?

Mr. Mackie

The question of compulsory membership of rabbit clearance societies has been considered. It is felt that, on the whole, it is much better to have voluntary societies, and I think that the hon. Gentleman would agree. These societies have been gradually increasing over the years. The numbers may have gone down slightly, but this is because of the amalgamation of societies and not because the activity is any less. As the hon. Gentleman will know, enforcement action under the pest Acts can be and is taken if any landowner does not deal with the rabbits to the satisfaction of our officers. The officers of the Ministry carry out their work in this respect very efficiently indeed.

Sir G. Nicholson

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that rabbit clearance societies cannot operate on common land where this matter is, apparently, the responsibility of the county authorities, which are not always on the spot? A few rabbits breeding on common land can infiltrate the territory of a rabbit clearance society and partly vitiate the efforts of the society.

Mr. Mackie

That is a bit of information which I did not know—that rabbit clearance societies could not operate on common land. If the county councils are responsible for rabbit clearance on common land, they should be made to join the rabbit clearance societies.

Sir G. Nicholson

Why not extend the scope of the rabbit clearance societies to common land? I assure the hon. Gentleman that frequently rabbits use common land as a sort of sanctuary and spread into surrounding territory.

Mr. Mackie

We will certainly look into the point which the hon. Gentleman makes.

Mr. George Y. Mackie

Does the Joint Parliamentary Secretary think that voluntary societies can multiply as fast as the rabbits?

Sir C. Taylor

On a point of order. Could not this brotherly argument take place after hours?

Mr. Speaker

This is about rabbits.