§ Mr. Hoosonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to encourage the Forestry Commission and private forestry owners to take steps to prevent the proliferation of wild rabbits on their land which causes damage to agriculture.
§ Mr. Peter MillsOccupiers of private woodlands have a statutory obligation to keep their rabbits under control. Complaints of negligence are investigated by my Department, which has the necessary enforcement powers. The Forestry Commission is fully aware of the need for effective rabbit control, for which the Commission either uses its own rangers 91W or, where appropriate, acts in concert with neighbouring occupiers, for example through membership of rabbit clearance societies.