§ 25. Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what increase in the feral mink population of England and Wales he expects to result from the discontinuance of measures of mink control in urban and semi-urban areas at present carried out by his department.
§ Mr. John MackieFeral mink have very rarely been found in urban or semi-urban areas and I do not expect them to become established in such places.
§ Mr. OnslowSince this will encourage a flourishing feral mink breeding species, what assessment has the hon. Gentleman formed of the consequent loss to fishing and farming?
§ Mr. MackieI did not quite follow the hon. Member's supplementary question when he said "since this will encourage mink to become flourishing ". I did not agree it would.