HL Deb 11 April 1933 vol 87 cc541-4WA
THE EARL OF ILCHESTER

asked His Majesty's Government, in view of the decision of the Ministry of Agriculture to prohibit the importation and propagation of the musk rat, what steps are now being taken, in which counties and under which department, to exterminate the musk rats which are already established in a wild state in England and Scotland?

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (EARL DE LA WARR)

The steps necessary for the destruction of musk rats at large in Great Britain are being taken, in accordance with the provisions of Section 5 (3) of the Destructive Imported Animals Act, 1932, by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries as regards England and Wales, and by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland as regards Scotland. So far as England and Wales are concerned, the only area known to be seriously infested with musk rats is in Shropshire and part of the neighbouring County of Montgomery, but recently signs of local infestation have been found in part of West Sussex. Since June of last year trappers have been engaged to deal with the infestation in the Shropshire area. They are working under the direction of a supervisor, officers of the Shropshire County Council exercising general oversight and co-operating in the administrative work involved. The trappers are gaining experience, and the Ministry arranged for them to have the advantage of tuition in February and March by the chief trapper of the Bavarian Musk Rat Control Service, who paid a visit to this country for the purpose, accompanied by Dr. Pustet, the head of the Bavarian Service. Trappers are also dealing with the infestation which has recently developed in West Sussex.

Upwards of 2,000 musk rats have so far been destroyed in the course of the campaign in the Shropshire area, while the number destroyed during the first two weeks in West Sussex was twenty-two. Special investigations are being carried out in the neighbouring Counties of Surrey and Hampshire. The action taken by the Ministry to secure publicity and to obtain early information of any fresh infestation includes the circularising of county agricultural committees, catchment boards, drainage authorities, fishery boards, canal proprietors, water undertakings and angling associations. The Ministry 'has also secured the co-operation of the Land Union and the Central Landowners' Association, who have drawn the attention of their members to the matter.

So far as Scotland is concerned, musk rats are fairly widely distributed in Perthshire and in Stirlingshire, particularly in the former County. There is no definite 'evidence of musk rats being at large elsewhere in Scotland, but the Department of Agriculture for Scotland has asked for special vigilance to be exercised in areas where there is a possibility of musk rats being at large. The chief trapper of the Bavarian Musk Rat Control Service and Dr. Pustet have also visited Scotland for the purpose of inspection of infested areas and instruction of official trappers, and it is hoped to arrange for a further visit by the former later in the year. The service of official trappers in Scotland, under the supervision of the Department's organising officer, is being enlarged. Extensive surveys have been made, and the total number of musk rats destroyed in the two Counties of Perthshire and Stirlingshire to date under official auspices is 184. Action similar to that of the Ministry of Agriculture has been taken by the Scottish Department to secure publicity and to obtain early information of any fresh infestation by musk rats.

House adjourned at ten minutes past seven o'clock.