Written question asked by Michael John Foster (Labour) on Thursday, 7 January 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 January 1999. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Monday, 18 January 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, 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.

Answer: Mr. Michael J. Foster: To 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. Morley: No 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.

Secondary information