§ Mr. N. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action is being taken in the counties of Aberdeen, Fife, Perth and Stirling to deal with the increasing plague of musk rats?
Sir G. COLLI NSAfter careful inquiry, I have obtained no evidence or information of musk rats being at large in either Aberdeenshire or Fifeshire. I am informed that certain parts of central Perthshire are infested and that the animals are believed to be fairly numerous in certain parts of Stirlingshire. The measures instituted by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland in these areas include the appointment of two full-time trappers, who are working under the supervision of the Department's organising officer, and a public offer of rewards for musk rats destroyed. Railway companies and landowners in the affected and adjacent territory have been invited to co-operate with the Department and to report to them if musk rats are discovered on their properties. I am hopeful that 1621W these measures will effectively control the situation and prevent the dispersal of the rats to new areas.