§ 71. Mr. Roebuckasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps to prohibit the use of gin traps.
§ Mr. RossYes. I am satisfied that because of the cruelty involved to animals taken by means of the gin trap its continued use cannot be justified, and I propose to introduce in due course the legislation necessary to enable me to ban it. At the request of the Humane Traps Panel, which advises my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and myself on the development of new traps, however, a further period will be allowed before the prohibition becomes effective, during which time the Panel will continue its efforts to develop a suitable alternative trap.