§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of rabbit clearance societies in controlling pests; what is the current rate of tax-borne assistance for these societies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartAs part of the review of my Department's functions, my right hon. Friend has had a very full assessment made of the effectiveness of rabbit clearance societies. Grants to them are currently running at about half a million pounds a year and we hope shortly to anounce the conclusions of the review.
OVERNIGHT STAYS (000s) Year England Scotland Wales Great Britain 1965 (Years ended 30th September) … … 333.0 140.7 43.3 517.0 1966 356.0 168.9 43.9 568.8 1967 415.6 191.9 48.7 656.2 1969 (18 months ended 31st March) … … 469.3 218.4 49.1 736.8 1970 (Year ended 31st March) … … … 565.5 225.4 58.0 848.9
§ Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what plantations of the Forestry Commission in Kent and Sussex do the public have access.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartAs a general rule the Forestry Commission allows public access on foot to all its forests in Kent and Sussex, subject to its obligations to third parties on leased and tenanted land. Access to particularly vulnerable plantations may also have to be restricted during the periods of high fire risk.