§ 39. Mr. de Freitasasked the Minister of Agriculture what action he is taking to prevent the spread of myxomatosis, a virus disease of rabbits; and why he is taking this action.
§ Mr. NugentI would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on 12th November to the hon. and learned Member for Brigg (Mr. E. L. Mallalieu) and the hon. Member for Derbyshire, West (Mr. E. Wakefield).
§ Mr. de FreitasYes, but does the hon. Gentleman remember that the Minister told me, in answer to a Question many months ago, that they were researching into its effect in an island, I think, off the coast of Scotland? In view of this concern and the wide experience of this disease in France and Australia, cannot the Ministry make up its mind whether or not to allow rabbits to be killed by this means?
§ Mr. NugentAs my right hon. Friend told the House, he has set up an advisory committee to consider where the balance of advantage lies, and, in the meantime, such outbreaks as are discovered are immediately being contained in the hope of keeping the disease under control to a considerable extent.
§ Mr. de FreitasDoes the hon. Gentleman realise that it is the delay on the part of the Minister in making up his mind of which I am complaining?
§ Mr. NicholsonIs my hon. Friend aware that to permit or encourage the spread of this disease would be repugnant to most sections of opinion in this country?