§ Mr. RAMSDENasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture whether the desirability of repealing the Rabbits Order of 1917 has been considered; in how many war agricultural executive committees in England such Order is being put in force at the present time; and whether occupiers of land are entitled to be informed of the manner in which the rabbits taken on land in their occupation have been disposed of, to have an account of the proceeds of the sale thereof, and payment of the balance handed over to them?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Rabbits Order, 1917, has been of great use in enabling Agricultural Executive Committees to take steps to prevent the wastage of crops by rabbits where their numbers are excessive and the owners or occupiers of the land fail after due notice to reduce them. The Order will lapse on the termination of the present War, and Part IV of the Corn Production Act, 1917, which confers on the Ministry similar powers to those in the Order will thereupon come into operation. I am unable to say in how many counties the Order is being enforced at the present time as Committees are not required to report their action to the Ministry unless it involves expenditure from public funds. Occupiers of land whose rabbits are taken are not entitled to the information indicated in the last part of the question, or 1123W to payment of the balance of the proceeds of sale after deducting the expenses. They may, however, claim compensation for loss actually sustained in consequence of the exercise of powers under the Order.