Mr. Michael J. FosterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will estimate the annual economic loss sustained by the agricultural sector from the activities of(a) rabbits, (b) voles, (c) rats and (d) mice. [57923]
§ Mr. MorleyThe damage caused by rabbits to agriculture is estimated at £40 million per annum. An assessment has not been made of the economic loss to agriculture caused by voles, rats and mice, but damage caused by small rodents can be considerable.