§ 8. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent myxomatosis exists now; and in which districts it is widespread in lethal form.
§ Mr. GodberMyxomatosis is now present in 33 counties in England and one in Wales. In 13 English counties, the disease is fairly widespread, mainly in the lethal form, although instances of the attenuated strain of the disease are found side by side with the more virulent strain.
§ Mr. HurdIs the Ministry of Agriculture making a careful assessment of the way in which myxomatosis has behaved in this country since 1954, because its behaviour seems to be rather different from what was expected judging from Australian experience? It would be very valuable for the public to have that information.
§ Mr. GodberYes, indeed; we are keeping as close a watch on this as we can, and, of course, the new Advisory Council on Rabbit Clearance will keep this matter very closely under review.
Mr. Philips PriceWill the hon. Gentleman say that the incidence of this disease does not obviate the necessity to continue the campaign against infestation by rabbits?
§ Mr. GodberI am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for raising that point. He is perfectly right. We must do all we can to stamp out the rabbit menace, and the presence of the attenuated strain, particularly, is an indication that we cannot possibly rely on this disease as a means of eradicating rabbits.