§ Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that several specimens of myopotamus coypu have recently been caught in this country and sent to the Natural History Museum; and, as these rodents are three feet long, weigh 15 pounds, and could do great damage to agriculture if allowed to multiply, will he take steps to put into operation against them the same organisation which disposed of the musk rat?
Mr. Morrison:I am aware that specimens of this animal have been found at large from time to time, and the position has been kept under close observation by my Department. From the information in my possession as to damage done by escaped animals in this country and the practice in other European countries in regard to this animal, I have come to the conclusion that there is not, at present, sufficient evidence to justify action as regards nutria under the Destructive Imported Animals Act, 1932. The position will, however, continue to be closely watched.