Mr. Michael J. FosterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the effect of natural predators on the levels of damage to agriculture caused by(a) rabbits, (b) voles, (c) rats and (d) mice; and if he will list the predators concerned in each case. [65097]
§ Mr. MorleyNo assessment has been made of the effect of natural predators on the levels of damage caused to agriculture by pests. Rabbits and rodents cause considerable economic loss and any level of natural predation is likely to be beneficial.