§ Mr. John Stradling Thomasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he proposes to bring forward new measures for the control of agricultural pests in England and Wales, arising out of his consultatons with the National Federation of Rabbit Clearance Societies.
§ Mr. StrangAs was made clear during the consultations to which the hon. Member refers, statutory responsbility for pest control rests with occupiers concerned. However, we naturally welcome voluntary measures within the industry to secure concerted action against particular pests in particular areas; and we are 453W developing some local studies on this. Additionally, the Department's Pest Infestation Control Laboratory continues to seek new or improved methods for control of agricultural pests generally. Neither my right hon. Friend nor I consider the present situation calls for new measures.