asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the enormous damage done to crops by rabbits, he will state what were the considerations that influenced him to prohibit by Order their export as from 1st May, 1942; and whether any complaint was received by his Department from the British Ministry of Food as to the condition of rabbits exported during this period in previous years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exports of Rabbits.
When making the Order prohibiting the export of rabbits as from the 1st May, 1942, I had regard to the difficulties of carrying on the export trade in rabbits in the summer months owing to rapid deterioration of the flesh and the poor quality of many of the rabbits taken during that period. The effect which prohibition of export might have on crops was fully considered and, as exports of rabbits in previous years during the summer months were comparatively small, I was satisfied that the taking of them for export in that period would be of little assistance in reducing numbers and preventing damage to the crops.
With regard to the second part of the question, the existing control over the import of rabbits into Great Britain was not in operation in previous years, and, consequently, this Department received no communication from the British Ministry of Food on the subject.
Is the Minister aware that some of the people in the export trade, knowing that it was such a lucrative business this year, and feeling that there was a danger that the industry, as they call it, might be exterminated, agreed that it would be well to have a period during which there would be no export? They were anxious to drop the export of rabbits for a period, and does the Minister bear in mind the fact that a couple of years ago we paid a subsidy in an attempt to exterminate rabbits, and now, when we get an opportunity of doing so, without a subsidy, the Minister, by Order, prohibits the export of rabbits? Surely that is not good policy?
It may be, if the Deputy goes into it fully. The Deputy perhaps does not realise that there was a very small proportion of rabbits exported during those four months. As a matter of fact, for the last four years, it ranged from 1.4 to 6.7 per cent. of the total exports for the year. The point is that these rabbits go out under very bad conditions and that possibly might, and probably would, have the effect of bringing down prices, which, in turn, will have the effect of lessening the urge to get rid of rabbits during the winter.
The Minister talks about the small number exported at this time. Does he appreciate that this is the breeding period and that every rabbit killed at this period means the killing of five or six rabbits?
A very small number went out.
That does not matter.
Is the Minister aware that rabbits do more damage at this time of the year than in all the other periods of the year together?
Yes, but nobody ever tried to stop them.
Was not the export of rabbits stopped?
Only a very small number went out.
Whatever the number, I do not think this should be done.