§ The Earl of KIMBERLEYasked Her Majesty's Government:
(1) What was the cost of the campaign to exterminate mink between 1965–70 in (a) England and Wales: (b) Scotland;
(2)whether they will arrange for records to be kept of the ways in which mink escape from farms;
(3)whether it is the policy of the Highlands and Islands Development Board to provide grants or loans for the establishment of mink farms.
§ Lord STRABOLGIThe following is the information:
(1)About £80,000 for England and Wales; and about £25,000 for Scotland;
(2)All reported escapes are investigated and this enables the agricultural departments to establish the various circumstances in which escapes occur;
(3)The Highlands and Islands Development Board welcomes any developments which are consistent with planning and other requirements and are likely to improve the economy of the area with which the Board is concerned. Applications for aid, including any in respect of the establishment of mink farms, are considered on their individual merits.