HC Deb 04 July 1972 vol 840 cc90-1W
Mr. Hooson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to encourage the Forestry Commission and private forestry owners to take steps to prevent the proliferation of wild rabbits on their land which causes damage to agriculture.

Mr. Peter Mills

Occupiers of private woodlands have a statutory obligation to keep their rabbits under control. Complaints of negligence are investigated by my Department, which has the necessary enforcement powers. The Forestry Commission is fully aware of the need for effective rabbit control, for which the Commission either uses its own rangers or, where appropriate, acts in concert with neighbouring occupiers, for example through membership of rabbit clearance societies.

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