§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will otbain from local authorities a return as to the effect of measures taken under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act of 1919, during the years 1937 and 1936; and whether he will at the same time inquire as to which methods have proved most sucecssful?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonIn connection with the organisation of the Annual Rat Week Campaign, my Department already calls for returns each year from those local authorities to whom powers under the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act of 1919 have been delegated. From these returns, which frequently give information as to the activities of the authority throughout the year, and from other sources, my Department has a good deal of information as to the extent of the action taken under the Act in different areas and as to the efficiency of different methods of destruction. I doubt, therefore, whether a special return such as is suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend would serve any useful purpose.
1740W
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonOnly one outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease has occurred in Great Britain during the past 14 days, namely on the 4th May, in Bedfordshire, an existing infected area. During the three months, February to April, the number of outbreaks was 73 compared with 226 during the preceding period of three months, November to January. The character of the disease during the latter period appears to have been less virulent than in the autumn and winter. The figures in the following table indicate the extent of the decline in the number of outbreaks recorded in the official bulletins, relating to certain countries of Western Europe, which have so far been received by the Ministry.