Mr. BELLasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of prosecutions that have taken place under the Rats and Mice Destruction Act?
§ Sir R. SANDERSI am informed that up to date only two prosecutions under the Rats and Mice Destruction Act have been brought to the notice of the Ministry of Agriculture. This is due to the fact that local authorities who are responsible for the execution and enforcement of the provisions of the Act may prosecute without reference to the Ministry. I may add that the information in the possession of the Ministry of Agriculture shows that many notices have been served under Section 5 (1) of the Act and have resulted in the occupier of the infested premises taking the required steps, in consequence of which prosecutions are unnecessary.