§ 30. Major Beamishasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make a statement about the extent of myxomatosis among tame and wild rabbits or other animals; and whether sufficient supplies of vaccine are available to meet the demand.
Mr. AmoryVery few cases of myxomatosis among tame rabbits have so far been brought to the notice of my Department. Regarding wild rabbits, myxomatosis is now present in all counties in England and Wales but one, and in 28 counties in Scotland. No animals other than the rabbit are known to have been been affected with myxomatosis in this 195W country. I understand that the vaccine available commercially is equivalent to more than 12 months' supply at the present rate of demand.
§ Sir T. Mooreasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will consider introducing legislation to make the wilful spreading of myxomatosis in this country a punishable offence.
Mr. AmoryI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I have given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Dudley Williams), and the hon. Members for Itchen (Mr. Morley) and Test (Dr. King).
§ Captain Kerbyasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make a statement on the incidence of myxomatosis in Sussex; what evidence he has that this disease is being spread deliberately along the South Downs; and what steps he proposes taking to make its wilful introduction illegal.
Mr. AmoryMyxomatosis is now established in the greater part of Sussex. With regard to the second and third parts of the Question, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given today to my hon. Friend the Member for Exeter (Mr. Dudley Williams) and the hon. Members for Itchen (Mr. Morley) and Test (Dr. King).