§ Mr. GEORGE ROBERTSasked if it had been proved that rats and rabbits in East Anglia are infected with plague bacillus; whether any eases have arisen of such infection being carried to human beings; and whether action is being taken in the matter?
§ Mr. BURNSA certain number of rats and rabbits in East Anglia have been found to be infected with plague. Four suspected cases of human plague occurred in this area as long ago as September last, but since then no further cases have been observed. Both the local authorities and my Department have been taking active measures in the destruction of rats, and the investigation of the extent of prevalence of plague amongst rodents and the delimitation of the affected area. Careful watch is also being kept at the ports against the introduction or spread of rat plague.