THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government if they are aware that the number of foxes killed in Perthshire alone in 1946, under the auspices of the two Agricultural Executive Committees exceeds 1,500, while the number claimed as destroyed over the same period by the Forestry Commission is only 933 for all Scotland and 49 for Perthshire; and if they will urge the Commission to greater efforts, in view of the grave danger to our already depleted sheep stocks, and poultry, from these vermin now finding sanctuary in the plantations owned by the Commission.
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§ LORD MORRISONThe Forestry Commissioners, who are also owners of sheep stocks, are aware of the necessity for destroying foxes and the matter is kept prominently in view in the management of the estates under their control. They participate in all fox-killing schemes covering their properties, and as a matter of general policy they also maintain whole-time vermin killers who receive cash bonuses on results, in addition to their normal wages. In Perthshire itself, the Commissioners' properties cover only about 3 per cent. of the county area.