HC Deb 04 December 1958 vol 596 cc1339-40
7. Mr. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in which counties myxomatosis has recently reappeared as a killing disease; and to what extent rabbits in these areas show immunity.

Mr. John Hare

Myxomatosis is reported still to be killing rabbits in 40 counties in England and Wales, but the less virulent strains have appeared in about half of these counties. In some parts of the country, the proportion of rabbits examined which show immunity is so far not more than 20 per cent., but in other parts the proportion is as high as 80 per cent. My scientific officers are of the opinion that the proportion of affected rabbits recovering from the disease will increase and that therefore the effect of myxomatosis will progressively diminish.

Mr. Hurd

In view of the rather surprising facts which my right hon. Friend has just given and the unexpectedly persistent character of this disease, will he ask his advisory committee to let us have a detailed report on events during the last five years and state whether there are any conclusions which he thinks ought to be reflected in Government policy?

Mr. Hare

I will consider what my hon. Friend has said. Without having to have a long and detailed report, I should like to make it clear to the House that I do not think we have any right or justification to be complacent about the future menace of rabbits, and I hope that throughout the country farmers will join together and form rabbit clearance societies, to which my Ministry makes a £ for £ contribution.

Mr. E. L. Mallalieu

In view of the statement of the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor to the effect that he was advised that he could get rid of rabbits in this country by measures which he hoped to persuade the farmers to undertake and the failure of that policy, will he persuade his predecessor to make an all-out drive against rabbits while there is still time?

Mr. Hare

I do not think that the hon. and learned Gentleman is aware of what we are prepared to offer. We are prepared to offer £ for £ to local farmers who get together and form clearance societies, and I hope that he will recommend his constituents to take action on those lines.