HC Deb 12 June 1917 vol 94 cc779-80W
Mr. HUDSON

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the devastation of young crops on farms in the North and South Tyne districts by the preservation of the thousands of hares and rabbits in the woods and plantations adjoining farms; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take to save the production of food for human consumption?

Sir R. WINFREY

No complaints of the kind have been received by the Board from the districts named. Our Commissioner reports that no serious damage is being done to crops by hares and rabbits in the district. The only exception is one farm, where the owner of an adjoining wood has been called upon to kill down the rabbits. If he fails to do so, the responsible executive committee will use their powers under the Defence of the Realm Regulations for the purpose.