§ Commander BELLAIRSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what steps are being taken to lessen the loss in agricultural produce due to the plague of rats?
Sir A. GRIFFFITH-BOSCAWENA Rats Order was issued by the Ministry of Food on the 28th August last empowering local authorities to take such measures as they should think proper for the destruction of rats. At the request of the Ministry of Food the Board undertook the supervision of the Order in England and Wales, and they have appointed an expert adviser and set up a special branch to deal with the subject. The need for strong and energetic measures has been brought to the notice of local authorities, and steps are being taken to distribute advice as to methods and facilitate the supply of materials.