HC Deb 10 June 1976 vol 912 cc768-9W
41. Mr. David Price

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of his declared intention, in the event of a rabies outbreak in wild life anywhere in Great Britain, to destroy foxes in the infected area, what steps he has taken to ensure that he has a full population count of all foxes in Great Britain and the locations of their earths.

Mr. Strang

To attempt a full population count of all foxes and the locations of their earths would be an impracticable exercise. Ministry experts are carrying out ecological studies of fox populations, their habits and movements for application in our contingency plans to deal with any rabies outbreak in wildlife. Our plans also include co-operation with local authorities and local wildlife experts in order to make use of their specialist knowledge in any rabies infected area should fox destruction become necessary.

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