§ 23. Mr. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Agriculture in view of the fact that rats and mice destroy approximately 2,000,000 tons of food a year, while insect pests destroy a large additional quantity, and that the total loss to the nation is of the order of £30 million per annum, what steps he is taking to strengthen the Infestation Control Division.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThere are many people and organisations engaged in the control and destruction of rats, mice and insect pests. Their joint efforts are securing a continual and substantial reduction in these pests. The Infestation Control Division of my Department is playing its full part in this work, and although changes and improvements in organisation are being made from time to time I am satisfied that no major alterations are required.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerMay I ask the Minister for the assurance which he felt unable to give a fortnight ago, that he will resist proposals for the reduction of this service?
§ Sir T. DugdaleThere is no suggestion of reducing the organisation of the division on economy grounds, for that would be a false economy. On the other hand, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes within the division which may reduce personnel or in other cases increase it. I can give the right hon. Gentleman a complete assurance that no reduction of the organisation on grounds of economy will be contemplated.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI think that the hon. and learned Gentleman's right hon. Friend on the Front Bench made the best calculation he could.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIt was based on calculations over many years.
§ 24. Mr. G. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he is taking to ensure that the new rat destroyer, "Warfarin," is made sufficiently well known to the public.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe advantages of "Warfarin" as a rat poison have been brought to the attention of the public through the Press and are a feature of the Ministry's civic and agricultural show exhibits about the destruction of rats during the present year.
§ Mr. WilliamsIs it non-poisonous to other animals, and very costly in use?
§ Sir T. DugdaleIt is very successful. I prefer to write to my hon. Friend in reply to the first part of his supplementary question.
§ 25. Mr. G. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of tails of grey squirrels that have been paid for by his officials up to date.
§ Sir T. DugdaleUp to 13th June, the number of tails paid for by the cash bonus and the free issue of cartridges is 112,400.
§ Mr. WilliamsCan my right hon. Friend tell me whether it is an economic proposition to breed grey squirrels so as 573 to get 1s. a head for their tails, and, if so, will he reduce the rewards? Secondly, has he had any report of boys capturing grey squirrels, cutting off their tails and releasing them to breed more grey squirrels and obtain more tails?
§ Sir T. DugdaleThe answer to the first part of that supplementary question is "No." I would not think it an economic proposition to breed grey squirrels. As to the second, I have, personally, no complaint at all, although I have heard a suggestion that this practice may be in operation.
§ Mr. HastingsWhat does the Minister do with the tail of a grey squirrel when he gets it?
§ Sir T. DugdaleThat is not my responsibility.
§ Captain WaterhouseTo meet the danger suggested by my hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge (Mr. G. Williams), would it not be a better plan to give 1s. a tail per head?