§ 33. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how far the disease of myxomatosis has been reported among rabbits in Scotland; to what extent this disease is confined to wild rabbits; and what is the policy of his Department in the matter.
§ Mr. J. StuartI have received no reports of outbreaks of this disease in Scotland, but the North of Scotland College of Agriculture are conducting experiments with the virus on a few small islands. I understand that myxomatosis may affect domestic rabbits and, perhaps, hares as well as wild rabbits. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and I have set up a committee under the chairmanship of Lord Carrington to advise us on this matter.
§ Mr. HastingsIs the Minister convinced that this disease can be confined to an island and will not spread to the mainland?
§ Mr. StuartThat is the advice which I have received. I think that that is the case. I hope so.