asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that much damage is being caused to crops because of the significant increase in the rabbit population in parts of the west; if he has any proposals to assist farmers with their difficulties in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Rabbit Population.
154.
I have had no reports of any significant increase in the amount of damage to crops being caused by rabbits in western districts.
Responsibility for the control of rabbits on their land rests with the landowners concerned, to whom the advisory services of ACOT are, of course, available in this connection.
Some committees of agriculture operate schemes for the destruction of vermin such as foxes or grey-back crows but none has so far proposed a scheme for the destruction of rabbits.