Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a statement on the spread of myxomatosis in wild rabbits during the past year.
Mr. AmoryYes. The Second Report of the Advisory Committee, published today, shows that the disease has spread extensively all over Wales and Southern England, with scattered outbreaks widely distributed over the rest of England and Scotland. Copies of this Report are available in the Vote Office.
Since last autumn county agricultural executive committees, in collaboration with farmers, land owners, farm workers and those engaged in forestry, have been planning measures to destroy rabbits that have survived in areas where the disease has taken a substantial toll. These "mopping-up" operations are already well under way in many districts and are about to start in others. I hope these operations will be energetically pursued by all farmers and workers. Their success depends on individual efforts.