§ Mr. A. Pearsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the widespread depredations by foxes of newly born lambs on the mountains in the Gilfach Goch area of Glamorgan; if he will estimate the number of foxes that thrive in the forestry plantations at Dymbath and Maindy; and what steps it is intended to take to destroy these foxes, in order to avoid the heavy losses to the mountain farmers concerned.
§ Mr. GodberI am aware that there have been losses among newly born lambs in this area. Reliable estimates of the numbers of foxes in the plantations at Dymbath and Maindy cannot be provided, but numbers have been sufficient to call for controlled drives by the Ministry's divisional staff. Operations which are continuing and are receiving the full support of the Forestry Commission have already accounted for 40 foxes this season.