§ Sir R. Glynasked the right hon. Baronet the Member for Rye, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, what steps are being taken on land occupied by the Forestry Commission to keep down vermin; and whether he can give an assurance that foxes are not being preserved as agents for destroying rabbits, but that, on the contrary, trained keepers are being employed to destroy these pests which in some districts have become a menace to farmers.
1964W
§ Sir G. CourthopeThe steps being taken by the Forestry Commissioners to keep down vermin on their land are, first, to kill as many foxes as possible, secondly, to co-operate with the War Agricultural Executive Committees Pests Officers, thirdly, to cut rides through plantations to facilitate the killing of foxes, fourthly, to co-operate with local farmers in the hunting of foxes, and fifthly, to contribute to local fox abatement associations. I can give the definite assurances that foxes are not being preserved and that trained men are being employed to destroy them.