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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, how many research projects have been undertaken by his Department, and at what total cost, (a) on the effects of rabbit fencing in preventing crop damage by rabbits, (b) to determine effective methods of rabbit control, (c) to investigate the breeding habits of rabbits and (d) to examine the effects on population levels of allowing rabbits to breed unchecked; and what conclusion they reached in each case. - Including figures and ref to 3 March 1999, 326 c792-3W and fact that advisory leaflet for landowners and occupiers in Library (as DEP 99/648). Also details for period prior to 1991-92 obtained only at disproportionate cost.
Answer

Mr. Maclean: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many research projects have been undertaken by his Department, and at what total cost, (a) on the effects of rabbit fencing in preventing crop damage by rabbits, (b) to determine effective methods of rabbit control, (c) to investigate the breeding habits of rabbits and (d) to examine the effects on population levels of allowing rabbits to breed unchecked; and what conclusion they reached in each case. [75628] Mr. Rooker: (a) Six since 1991-92 at a cost of £869,000. This figure relates to whole project costs rather than the proportions of projects specifically addressing fencing. The results of research completed to date have been summarised in an advisory leaflet for landowners and occupiers; a copy of the leaflet has been placed in the Library of the House. (b) Ten since 1991-92 at a cost of £1.3 million. This figure includes research on fencing. Reports on the results from these projects, where not already covered by my answer of 3 March 1999, Official Report, column 792, have been placed in the Library of the House; their project numbers are: VC0204 VC0207 VC0208 Where projects have been extended, only the latest report has been placed in the Library. (c) & (d) Three since 1991-92 at a cost of £390,000. These projects cover the development of mathematical models to identify cost-effective rabbit control strategies; they are therefore also included in the cost given in (b). Information on breeding habits and population levels is included in the models to achieve the primary aim of the research relating to rabbit control strategies. The conclusions were given in my answer on 3 March 1999, Official Report, column 792. Details for the period prior to 1991-92 could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
327 c546W; 75628
Session
1998-99
Subjects
Expenditure Pest control Research Walls and fences Rabbits
Contains statistics
Yes