HC Deb 20 April 2000 vol 348 cc615-6W
Mr. Sanders

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee how many reports of(a) mice and (b) other vermin in the Palace of Westminster he has received in each of the last five years.[119557]

Sir Sydney Chapman

Reports of mice and other vermin in the last five years have been as follows:

Year Mice Other vermin
1995 113 32
1996 187 34
1997 135 20
1998 53 30
1999 102 29

Mr. Sanders

To ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what action is being taken to reduce the numbers of(a) mice and (b) other vermin within the Palace of Westminster. [119556]

Sir Sydney Chapman

A specialist pest control contractor is employed regularly to set and check bait boxes in all areas, particularly in Refreshment Department areas and other places where mice are seen. Further specialist advice is obtained from the MAFF expert. Apart from mice, the only other vermin generally found in the Palace of Westminster are insects; these are treated with insecticides appropriate to the type of pest and situation.