§ Mr. Win. Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will introduce measures to reduce the rabbit population in Northern Ireland; if he will give an estimate of the rabbit population in Northern Ireland at the present time; and how it compares with the numbers five and 10 years ago, respectively.
(2) if he will estimate the cost of the damage done by rabbits in Northern Ireland in each of the last three years and give an estimate for the current year.
§ Mr. Giles ShawInformation about the rabbit population and the damage they cause is not readily available. Rabbit control is a matter for individual landowners, but long-standing Government control schemes offer free advice and materials at reduced rates. If there is a particular problem in the Londonderry area, I would be glad to discuss it with the hon. Member.