§ 49. Mr. Philips Priceasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that rabbit damage is taking place in certain parts of the country owing to the inability under the Agriculture Act of 1947 to use the steel trap where such instrument is the only effective one; and what steps he intends to take in the matter.
Mr. T. WilliamsI am aware that in certain parts of the country damage is taking place because no effective method is available for control of rabbits which harbour in dense scrubland, in woodlands with heavy undergrowth, and in rocky ground.
The use of spring traps in the open was prohibited by the Prevention of Damage by Rabbits Act, 1939. Investigations into the problem of an alternative as well as other problems in the control of rabbits, are being pressed forward.