§ Sir R. Russellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the manufacturers of gassing powder used in the control of pests obtain a subsidy; 180W what is the nature of the gassing powder; and what quantity he expects to be used in 1964–65.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsA subsidy is paid to manufacturers of cyanide gassing powder to encourage the continued use of gassing as an effective and humane method of controlling rabbits. The powder most commonly used is a mixture of sodium cyanide (40 per cent.) and magnesium sulphate (60 per cent.). There is a small use of preparations containing calcium cyanide. The quantity of powder expected to be used in the U.K. during 1964–65 is approximately 150 tons.