HC Deb 16 June 1955 vol 542 cc751-2
43. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he has received that rabbits in some districts have developed immunity to myxomatosis.

Mr. Amory

My Department has examined surviving rabbits from many parts of the country, and of these 39—or about 10 per cent.—were found to have acquired immunity to myxomatosis. It is not, however, possible to say whether this proportion is representative for the country as a whole.

Mr. Hastings

Is there any evidence that this immunity is carried to the next generation?

Mr. Amory

I understand not, except possibly for the first few weeks of a young rabbit's life.