§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy with regard to increasing the rabbit clearance societies over all of the agricultural land of this country to avoid the return of the rabbit pest, such as is now taking place in certain parts of the country, particularly in Kent; and if he will give guidance as to the best procedure to follow in this matter.
§ Mr. John HareRabbit clearance societies are co-operative organisations set up by occupiers to keep their land clear of wild rabbits. There are now 135 societies in England and Wales, covering about 2,200,000 acres, and there are more than 100 in process of formation. To encourage their formation, a grant of half 159W their costs of rabbit clearance is paid by the Government.
I cannot urge too strongly the desirability of setting up societies now to cover the whole of the country as an insurance against the return of the rabbit menace. Guidance on the formation of societies can be obtained from divisional offices of the Ministry and from local branches of the National Farmers' Union and the Country Landowners' Association. The Agricultural Central Cooperative Association and the Welsh Agricultural Organisation Society Limited will help with the formalities.