§ Mr. Skeetasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what he proposes to do to curb the growing rabbit menace in many parts of the United Kingdom especially in the South-East; and what additional crop yields would be secured by eliminating the nuisance;
(2) what action is taken to control the population growth of rabbits; how such operations are co-ordinated; and what incentives are provided to eradicate the nuisance.
§ Mr. WigginMy noble Friend has recently discussed the general question of rabbit infestation in England with the principal organisations concerned, and has now informed them of our conclusions. Although no Government grants or other payments will be forthcoming, my Department will continue to work closely with the interests concerned to secure improved rabbit control. Where necessary, statutory action will be taken against occupiers who are not fulfilling their obligation under the legislation to control rabbits on their land. No reliable estimates are available of the national loss of crop yields attributable to rabbits. Rabbit control elsewhere in the United Kingdom is a matter for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scot land, Northern Ireland and Wales.