HC Deb 02 May 1940 vol 360 cc891-2
52. Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the Minister of Agriculture what are the figures in the Louth Rural District showing the number of rats killed since October, 1939?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I have no information as to the total number of rats killed in the Louth Rural District since October, 1939, but I understand from reports which have been brought to my notice that during the period 21st November, 1939, to 31st March, 1940, nearly 42,500 rats were destroyed in that district as a result of the system of paying rewards for rats' tails.

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that the success of this campaign in this local authority's area is due to their being allowed to pay for rats, and will he see that those payments are allowed to continue?

53. Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to forward the campaign against rats; and what are his future proposals for carrying on the campaign in rural and urban districts?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

In reply to the first part of the Question, every effort is made to encourage and assist occupiers of lands and premises to fulfil their statutory obligations to keep their properties clear of rats. Literature published by the Ministry is available free, or at a very small charge, giving full particulars of the most effective methods of rat destruction. Many of these methods, and much general information about the depredations caused by rats, are illustrated in a cinematograph film, copies of which are available for loan free of charge to local authorities or other responsible bodies. In addition, the services of the Ministry's technical adviser on rat destruction are available where a local authority requires them in connection with any case presenting points of special difficulty.

As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on 17th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn). The question of an intensive campaign during the present emergency in rural and urban districts is under consideration by the Ministry in consultation with other Government Departments concerned.

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

As my right hon. Friend says that he has no knowledge of the number of rats killed in any area, how can he tell us whether the campaign is a success?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

There is an obligation on occupiers to kill the rats and we hope they are carrying out their obligations.

Mr. Thorne

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of employing the old man and his dog? They will kill them all.

58. Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to illness and death caused by Weils disease spread by rats in seaports; and what steps he is taking to counteract this?

Mr. Elliot

I am aware that cases of Weil's disease occur from time to time, but the disease is not specially a feature of seaports. The dangers of this disease have been referred to in recent reports by my chief medical officer, and local authorities generally are aware of their powers and duties in connection with rat destruction. I do not, therefore, think it necessary to make any special recommendations in this matter at the present time.