Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 1998. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 1998 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what steps his Department is taking to control the rabbit population. - Inc ref to Pests Act 1954; Rabbit Clearance Order 1972 and the Agriculture Act 1947.

Answer: Mr. Maclean: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps his Department is taking to control the rabbit population. [45837] Mr. Morley: Section 1 of the Pests Act 1954 places a continuing obligation on occupiers of land designated as rabbit clearance areas to control rabbits harboured on their land. The current Rabbit Clearance Order, issued in 1972, covers the whole of England and Wales, excluding the City of London, the Isles of Scilly and Skokholm Island. The Minister has powers under section 98 of the Agriculture Act 1947 to require action to be taken where occupiers are failing to meet their obligations under the 1954 Act. Where necessary these powers are used. The Ministry is aware of the damage that rabbits can cause and keeps its policy on rabbit control under continual review. The Ministry is also funding R&D to establish improved methods for cost-effective and humane control of rabbits.

Secondary information