§ Mrs. Winifred Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the fox population of Scotland is increasing, particularly in urban areas; what estimate his Department can make of the damages caused to the agricultural industry and of the danger involved to the agricultural interests and the interest of civilians; and what inquiries he is presently making.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownThere appears to have been some overall increase in fox numbers both in rural and, especially, in urban districts in recent years. In addition to occasional losses of poultry, 723W there is evidence that sheep stocks suffer from predation by foxes, but it is impossible to make a meaningful estimate of the extent of this damage as distinct from losses due to other causes. That apart, there is no apparent danger to agricultural or civilian interests from the fox at present.
There is a continuing programme of scientific research into the ecology of the fox, and control measures and contingency plans for a rabies emergency include provision for dealing with foxes.