HC Deb 25 January 1980 vol 977 cc426-7W
Mr. Farr

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he proposes to take on the report of the coypu strategy group; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Wiggin

My right hon. Friend proposes to implement the report in the knowledge that the recommendations have enjoyed a very broad body of support among national organisations and local interests concerned. In particular, the Anglian water authority and the internal drainage boards concerned have agreed to subscribe their share towards the cost of following the group's recommended pathway towards eradicating copyu.

The success of this long-term exercise will depend heavily upon continuing co-operation from occupiers and others concerned throughout the enlarged area where continuous and more intensive trapping and monitoring operations will shortly begin. New forms of research proposed by the group have already been commissioned, and the coypu control organisation is being invited to assume responsibilty for the campaign.