§ 17. Squadron-Leader Sir Gifford Foxasked the Minister of Works why an inspector of his Department visited 87 and 86 Eaton Square, London, a British Restaurant and W. V. S., respectively, at approximately three o'clock on Wednesday, 27th March, and ordered the Westminster City Council rat catcher to stop operations in the two premises and pick up baits.
§ Mr. TomlinsonIn accordance with the usual practice, the destruction of vermin in buildings in Government occupation is dealt with by officers employed by my Department. On the occasion referred to by the hon. Member, the rat catcher employed by the Westminster City Council was operating in the British Restaurant and, being unaware that 86 and part of 87 Eaton Square were in Government occupation, one or two baits had been 1777 supplied by him. These were withdrawn by mutual agreement.
§ Sir G. FoxIs the Minister aware that his Department did not realise that these premises had rats in them, and that it was the Westminster City Council which discovered the infestation and took steps to deal with it?
§ Mr. TomlinsonIt is the demarkation question which was in dispute.
§ Mr. W. J. BrownCan the Minister give any information as to how the rats are getting on?