§ 34. Sir WILLIAM DAVISONasked the Minister of Agriculture what has been the result of the national rat week, held 1421 from the 3rd to the 8th November last; and what is the estimated number of rats destroyed?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have so far received reports on "Rat Week" from 295 or 43 per cent. of the local authorities. 79 per cent. of these have reported that action was taken with a view to drawing attention to the importance of destroying as many rats as possible, and to the best means of doing so. In a further 8 per cent. of cases, it was reported that no special action had been taken as the work of destruction was continuous throughout the year. No statistics are available as to the estimated total number of rats destroyed during Rat Week, but it is believed that the efforts of last November resulted in heavy casualties.
§ Sir W. DAVISONIn view of the elaborate circular sent out by the Ministry to the local authorities, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it would be desirable to have some rather better statistics than he has presented to the House this afternoon?
§ Dr. ADDISONIf the hon. Baronet can suggest any way by which we can count the rats poisoned in their holes, I shall be glad to know of it.
§ Mr. THORNEHave all the rats roaming in and about this House been killed yet?
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNYou have got your share!
§ 52. Viscount LYMINGTONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether in view of the plague of rats prevalent in many parts of the country, he is prepared to urge immediate concerted action by all local authorities in trying to exterminate these vermin?
§ Dr. ADDISONIn a circular letter issued to all local authorities on the 10th September last, the Ministry called attention to the desirability of making a special effort to secure concerted action in November, and asked for the whole-hearted co-operation and support of the local authorities for this purpose. If the hon. Member will be good enough to furnish me with particulars of any areas where rats are unusually prevalent 1422 at the present time, I will make representations in the matter to the local authorities concerned.