HC Deb 30 October 1952 vol 505 cc238-9W
Mr. Bossom

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will give some help to farmers in their campaign against the rabbit pest, particularly when the rabbits come from adjacent railway embankments or woods not under the control of the farmers afflicted.

Sir T. Dugdale

It is the responsibility of landowners and occupiers to keep down rabbits on their own lands. Where the rabbits are coming from adjoining lands the Ministry, with the support of the National Farmers' Union and Country Landowners' Association, urges the several land interests to get together to kill the rabbits.

There is close liaison between the Railway Executive and county agricultural executive committees, and the Railway Executive are always ready to deal with any rabbit infestation on railway property which is brought to their notice. Farmers can secure the help of the county pests service in dealing with rabbits on their own lands and they can ask the committee to assist in the organisation of area schemes. The committee will consider, where necessary, serving a notice under the Agriculture Act requiring the destruction of rabbits.

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