HC Deb 17 October 1989 vol 158 c34W
Mr. Spearing

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action does he expect to take to combat rat infestations within the system of public sewers; and what action he requires of district health authorities to monitor rodent control within their respective areas.

Mr. Freeman

Local authorities are responsible under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 for ensuring that their areas, including sewers, are kept as free as practicable from rats and mice. District health authorities are not required to monitor rodent control within their areas.