HC Deb 18 June 1953 vol 516 cc1172-3
30. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Agriculture the estimated loss of foodstuffs in the United Kingdom in 1952 due to insect infestation.

Sir T. Dugdale

So far as I know a reliable estimate of such food losses neither has been, nor can be, made.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Am I right in thinking that the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation have made a rough estimate, and would that give any guidance as to the loss we suffer in this country?

Sir T. Dugdale

It is very vague, but an expert committee of the F.A.O., in 1946, estimated that 5 per cent. of all grain, pulses and oilseeds harvested in the world was lost through insect infestation. If we were to apply that figure to the United Kingdom we should find that it would mean a loss of about 150,000 tons a year, but probably our loss is much less than that, less than the world average.

Mr. Noel-Baker

If there is a considerable loss abroad, up to 5 per cent., will the Minister give his strongest support to the measures taken by the F.A.O. to combat infestation in countries from which we import our food?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, I have this problem very much in mind.

31. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Minister of Agriculture the estimated loss of foodstuffs in the United Kingdom in 1952 due to destruction by rats and other rodent pests.

Sir T. Dugdale

There is no reliable basis for calculating the loss from year to year, but an estimate was made in 1949 that the loss of food caused by rats and mice was about 2 million tons a year. Since then the drive against these pests has continued and the present loss of food, though considerable, is probably lower than in 1949.

Mr. Noel-Baker

If it is anything like that figure, am I right in thinking that would be the equivalent of something like £30 million to £40 million on our balance of payments account, and, if so, will the Minister strenuously resist any proposal on the grounds of economy to reduce the anti-infestation organisation we have built up?

Sir T. Dugdale

The right hon. Gentleman would not be right to say it would all fall on our balance of payments. Some may be the result of loss of home-grown grain. On the figure for wheat it would be approximately correct, but the loss would be in terms of money. I certainly give an assurance to the right hon. Gentleman that we shall do all we can to avoid any further loss and, indeed, to reduce the loss as time goes on.

Mr. T. Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the local authorities are carrying out their obligations under the Act of 1951? Is the right hon. Gentleman and the Minister of Housing and Local Government cooperating with borough councils, rural district councils and urban district councils in fulfilling their duties?

Sir T. Dugdale

Yes, I think the scheme is going reasonably well. So far as rats and mice are concerned, there was recently introduced a rat and mouse poison called "Warfarin," which is being increasingly used to very good effect and proving very satisfactory.

Mr. Noel-Baker

May I interpret what the Minister has said as a pledge that this organisation will not be reduced on the ground of economy?

Sir T. Dugdale

I should not like the right hon. Gentleman to interpret anything I have said as a pledge, but I shall certainly look into the point made by the right hon. Gentleman to make sure I understand what he is asking me to give a pledge about.