§ 14. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are taken to control rabbits on commons and land owned by Government Departments.
§ Mr. StrangAs with all other properties, rabbit control on such land is a statutory responsibility of the occupier. Technical advice is available from my Department. which also undertakes control measures on a common if the responsible occupier cannot be identified and if neighbouring properties are at significant risk from rabbit infestation.
§ Mr. Godman IrvineIs there much encouragement in that answer to the farmer who is conscientiously dealing with his own rabbits only to find that his land is invaded by rabbits coming from common land or land under Government control?
§ Mr. StrangI recognise the force of the hon. Gentleman's point. If he has one incident in mind, I shall be grateful if he will draw it to our attention. We shall take action if the owner of the common land is not facing up to his responsibilities.