HC Deb 18 July 1972 vol 841 cc383-4
17. Mr. Frank Taylor

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement on the progress being made towards the eradication of mice from the Commons part of the Palace of Westminster.

Mr. Peter Mills

During the Easter Adjournment our routine daily treatments were augmented by intensive operations. This programme materially reduced the infestation, and if necessary it will be repeated during future Adjournments and Recesses; but complete eradication is impracticable in a complex structure such as the Palace of Westminster.

Mr. Taylor

This is a very small subject, but does my hon. Friend agree that it raises matters of considerable national importance? Will he tell the House what steps, if any, are being taken to deal with the menace of increasing immunity—

Mr. Heffer

Speak up.

Mr. Taylor

That is true to form. Will my hon. Friend tell us what steps, if any, are being taken to eradicate the menace of increasing immunity of some pests to previously effective pesticides?

Mr. Mills

Parliamentary mice have not been specifically tested for resistance to Warfarin, but other poisons are used in the Palace of Westminster because resistant mice are quite common in the London area. It seems that mice are as persistent as some hon. Members in their desire to stay here.

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