Captain CLAYasked whether the Government is prepared to introduce legislation authorising local authorities to take such measures as may be necessary within their area for the destruction of rats in order to minimise the danger of an epidemic of plague?
§ Mr. BURNSIn November of last year I issued an Order directing the local authority of any district in which rats were infected or threatened with plague, or in which there was an unusual mortality among rats, to take measures for the destruction of rats and for preventing their entrance into buildings. Further legislation for this purpose does not at present appear to be required.