HC Deb 23 November 1939 vol 353 cc1450-1W
Mr. Parker

asked the Minister of Agriculture what powers the county agricultural committees have to compel the destruction of vermin and game destructive of crops in their efforts to increase food production?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

Under powers vested in me by Regulation 63 of the Defence Regulations I have authorised county war agricultural executive committees by the Rabbits Order, 1939, to make arrangements for killing and taking rabbits When injury to crops is being caused. Committees have been asked not to exercise these powers, Unless for reasons of urgency, without first giving the appropriate county council or county borough council the opportunity of taking remedial action under the Prevention of Damage by Rabbits Act, 1939. The question of delegating powers to county committees to deal with other animals and birds is under consideration.