§ 19. Mr. Hoosonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in his Department's research laboratories for an effective and safe alternative to warfarin poison for rats; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MackieResearch is continuing, but no equally safe and effective alternative has been found. Meanwhile, where we know there is warfarin resistance, we are advising that occupiers should control their rats with single-dose poisons, as they did before the introduction of warfarin.
§ Mr. HoosonCan we have an assurance that research into the problem is going on apace? Are there any hopeful signs that a poison that will kill these rats will eventually be found?
§ Mr. MackieI cannot give an assurance that such a poison will eventually be found, but research is being pursued very actively indeed.
§ 25. Mr. Hoosonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to ensure that local authorities in areas affected or threatened by the presence of warfarin resistant rats are given special grants to enable intensive campaigns to be mounted against this menace.
§ Mr. John MackieNo, Sir. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary gave him on 27th May. Our officers are also helping local authorities and owners and occupiers of land in the affected area by arranging demonstrations in the safe and effective use of alternative poisons.—[Vol. 729, c. 167–8.]
§ Mr. HoosonIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that rats are becoming an increasing menace and are affecting towns as well? Should not very stringent steps be taken to deal with them?
§ Mr. MackieWe have taken considerable steps to try to deal with rats, and it is the duty of local authorities and 447 owners and occupiers to deal with their own rats. Simply because rats become warfarin-resistant does not mean that they have not that obligation still.