§ 96. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will now make it a criminal offence for any person to spread myxomatosis, owing to the cruelty to rabbits, the danger to human beings, and the difficulties of stopping the spread of this disease once started; and if he will take early steps to adopt a more humane method of destroying these pests.
§ Mr. NugentThe Myxomatosis Advisory Committee advised that no attempt should be made to assist the spread of the disease, but that no attempt could usefully be made to stop it. This advice has already been accepted. The committee is to consider the present situation on 26th July and the problem will be further examined in the light of their advice. The committee found no apparent risk of danger to man from the disease. A great deal is already being done to encourage humane methods of destruction and in particular to develop a humane alternative to the gin trap. I have today announced the membership of the committee which has been set up to expedite this work.
§ Mr. Haymanasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a statement on the incidence of myxomatosis in Cornwall.
§ Mr. NugentThe first outbreak of myxomatosis in wild rabbits in Cornwall was confirmed on 11th May last. Since then the disease has been found to exist in six other areas in the county.