§ 63. Sir G. Foxasked the Minister of Food what action is being taken against the authority in charge of the British Restaurant at 87 Eaton Square, London, S.W.I, a property requisitioned by the local authority, for not reporting to the rodent officer a serious ship rat infestation; and what steps his department is taking to see that such residential property is properly inspected and cared for.
§ Sir B. SmithI have had inspection made at No. 87, Eaton Square of the three floors used as a restaurant, and am assured that there is no evidence supporting the suggestion of serious ship rat infestation; the first part of the Question, therefore, does not arise. I provide for inspection and necessary action in premises under my control. The question of inspection and care of other requisitioned property is one for the Department immediately concerned.
§ Sir G. FoxIs the Minister aware that that answer is only the usual half truth, that the whole of this house was requisitioned for the British Restaurant and that the top two floors are completely rat infested? Is his Department following the practice of continental restaurants in keeping rat farms to supplement dishes, and will he give an assurance that this policy will not be adopted here as rations get less and less?