HC Deb 17 February 1956 vol 548 cc295-6W
Major Hicks Beach

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) the number of personnel employed by his Department on rabbit destruction in the United Kingdom during 1955, and their cost during that year;

(2) what was the number of personnel employed by his Department on rabbit destruction in Gloucestershire during 1955, and their cost during that year.

Mr. Amory

The number of operators employed by county agricultural executive committees on pest destruction in England and Wales in 1955 was 358; about 4 per cent. of their time was spent on rabbits. In Gloucestershire, the numbers were, respectively, five operators and less than 1 per cent. The work was carried out for farmers on a repayment basis and was self-supporting.