§ Lady TERRINGTONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been directed to the unnecessary cruelty inflicted on rabbits and other vermin by the setting of traps, and the unnecessary danger to domestic animals caused by the 57W indiscriminate use of these traps; and whether he can see his way to introducing legislation to prohibit this practice?
Mr. DAVIESI have been asked to answer this question. Very few representations have been made to my Department in recent years on this subject, which, as the Noble Lady will be aware, is dealt with to some extent by the Protection of Animals Act, 1911. I understand that a prohibition of trapping rabbits and vermin, as suggested in the question, would have a serious effect on agricultural interests, but I will consult with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture as to whether any further steps can be taken in the matter.