§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the increase in rabbit pests, whether he will make a further statement on the progress being made by his Department in encouraging the formation of rabbit clearance societies.
§ Mr. John HareIn the reply I gave my hon. Friend on 26th March I said that 115 rabbit clearance societies had been formed in England and Wales. Since then a further 45 have been formed bringing the total to 180 societies covering about three million acres. In addition, a further 150 societies are in process of formation. Although the response on the whole is encouraging, there are many areas where little progress has been made. I most earnestly urge all occupiers of land in their own interests, to join or form rabbit clearance societies.