§ Major GLYNasked the Minister of Agriculture what is the estimated damage done to agricultural produce annually by rats; and how far have the measures taken by his Ministry been effective?
Mr. GUINNESSI am unable to give any authoritative estimate of the damage done annually by rats to agricultural produce in this country. In reply to the second part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, I must explain that the extent of the measures being taken by the Ministry for the repression of rats is, for reasons of economy, very restricted. They are limited to efforts to educate public opinion as to the importance of rat control and to the provision of assistance and advice to the local authorities responsible for administering the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919. So far as I am aware, the measures taken are proving of distinct value.
— Area. Remarks. Acres. Commissioners of Crown Lands 108,000 In addition, the Commissioners own 81,800 acres of unenclosed land subject to Common Rights, the greater part of which is used for grazing. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. 9,008 Acquired under the Small Holdings Colonies Acts. Board of Agriculture for Scotland 359,400 — War Office 137,000 Mostly grazing land; the greater part of the grazing is let subject to military use. Air Ministry 16,000 Admiralty 7,450 Including uncultivated land used for grazing. Duchy of Cornwall 126,056 Including uncultivated land used for grazing. Duchy of Lancaster 18,000 Including uncultivated land used for grazing. Ecclesiastical Commissioners 239,000 Including uncultivated land used for grazing. Forestry Commission 155,000 Mountain and heath land used for rough grazings. Oxford University 175,856 — Cambridge University 115,528 —