§ Sir John Rodgersasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will restore the financial help to the rabbit clearance societies which was phased out only five years ago, in view of the increase in the rabbit population and their growing immunity to myxomatosis.
§ Mr. BishopNo. Our latest surveys have indicated a wider distribution of rabbits in some areas, notably to the East and in some part of the North, although elsewhere the situation remained substantially unchanged. Looking to the future, it would be realistic to allow for the possibility that myxomatosis may have a diminishing effect on rabbit populations. The Department's available resources are, therefore, increasingly being applied to research into new or improved control techniques. Although there is no intention of reviving the grants to which the hon. Member refers, the Ministry will continue to provide occupiers concerned with free advisory service on methods of control. I would urge them, in their own interests, to maintain the vigilance and effort needed to fulfil their statutory responsibility to control rabbits on their land.