§ Mr. Deedesasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has considered representations made to him regarding the banning of the sale and use of gin traps in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir T. DugdaleYes. I would now propose, with the approval of the House, to fix 31st July, 1958, as the date after which the use in England and Wales of spring traps other than approved traps shall be prohibited. I am proposing this in the hope that by then supplies of suitable alternative traps will be available and in general use; and the Secretary of State for Scotland and I intend to set up a small committee to speed up and40W assist the improvement, testing and development of alternative traps and to advise generally on the approval of humane traps under the provisions of the Pests Bill.
In case these hopes are not realised I propose to take power to postpone, by order subject to affirmative Resolution of Parliament, the date on which the prohibition on the use of gin traps would otherwise come into effect. On practical grounds, it will be necessary to provide for such orders to be laid before Parliament not less than two years before that date.