HC Deb 23 October 1961 vol 646 cc542-3
25. Sir Richard Pilkington

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that there is now a vaccine which is an effective prophylactic against rabies; and whether he is reducing the present six months' quarantine required for dogs and cats entering this country.

Miss Pitt

My right hon. Friend is advised that the two vaccines available for humans give a high degree of protection though neither can be guaranteed completely effective. The second part of the Question is for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Sir Richard Pilkington

Can my hon. Friend hold out any hope of the period being reduced, because six months is a very long time?

Miss Pitt

It is not for my Department.

Sir G. Nicholson

Would not my hon. Friend make representations to her right hon. Friend about a special type of case—guide dogs for the blind?

Mr. Speaker

Animals have nothing to do with this Minister.

Sir G. Nicholson

I thought it appropriate to ask the Minister of Health, because the care of the blind comes under the Ministry of Health.

Mr. Speaker

I thought that this Question was not about blind dogs but about dogs in peril of rabies which are leading blind people. It is the other way round.

Sir G. Nicholson

With great respect, Mr. Speaker, I think that the welfare of the blind comes under the responsibility of the Ministry of Health, and I should have thought—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Baronet's question began by inviting Minister A to make representations to Minister B, which did not seem to be a profitable line within the rules of order.