Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Thursday, 4 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 March 1999. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 15 March 1999 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, in how many research projects, since research on this subject began, (a) ferrets and (b) shot guns have been considered as a method of rabbit control; and what general conclusions were reached. - Including figures and ref to fact that details for research prior to 1991-92 obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Answer: Mr. Maclean: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in how many research projects, since research on this subject began, (a) ferrets and (b) shot guns have been considered as a method of rabbit control; and what general conclusions were reached. [75626] Mr. Rooker: Since 1991-92, the Ministry has funded three research projects which have incorporated information on ferrets and shot guns as methods for rabbit control. The projects involve one research group whose contracts have been extended for fixed periods following reviews of their work. The information on ferrets and shot guns includes results from research funded by other organisations. This research found that, for ferrets, rabbit populations were reduced by no more than 35 per cent. and, for shot guns, by only 30 per cent. Details for MAFF research for the period prior to 1991-92 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Secondary information