§ 82. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Agriculture to make a statement as to the extent of the outbreak of the disease, myxomatosis, which affects rabbits, and which appears to be painful and distressing; and whether he has any plans for localising the outbreak.
§ Sir T. DugdaleWild rabbits affected with myxomatosis have been found in small areas near Edenbridge in Kent and Robertsbridge and Lewes in East Sussex. Rabbit-proof fencing has been erected round the first two areas and every effort is being made in each case to destroy the rabbits and prevent the spread of the disease, pending the report of the advisory committee set up by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself.
§ 83. Major Anstruther-Grayasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has yet received a report from the Carrington Committee on myxomatosis in rabbits.
§ Sir T. DugdaleThis is a standing committee. It has already endorsed the action I am taking to control present outbreaks of the disease so that full and unprejudiced consideration can be given to available evidence on its likely long-term effects and the action that should be taken in future by the Government. I184W hope to receive guidance from the committee on future policy well before next spring.
§ 88. Mr. G. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps he has taken to deal with the rabbit disease myxomatosis; and what is the reason for his action.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI cannot at present add to the reply I gave on 12th November to the hon. Members for Brigg (Mr. E. L. Mallalieu) and Derbyshire, West (Mr. E. Wakefield). I shall inform the House of developments from time to time.