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Vermin Infestation

Oral Answers to Questions — House of Commons Commission – in the House of Commons at 9:30 am on 6 February 2014.

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Photo of Diana R. Johnson Diana R. Johnson Shadow Minister (Home Affairs) 9:30, 6 February 2014

What recent representations he has received on vermin infestation on the parliamentary estate.

Photo of John Thurso John Thurso Chair, Finance and Services Committee, Chair, Finance and Services Committee

Recent representations have been received from hon. Members about mice in Norman Shaw South. Measures taken include sealing gaps and fitting bristle strips to office doors. Leaflets have been distributed to alert occupants to the measures being taken and provide practical advice to alleviate the problem. I encourage hon. Members to follow that advice, which includes not leaving sandwiches on their desks.

Photo of Diana R. Johnson Diana R. Johnson Shadow Minister (Home Affairs)

According to recent media reports, mutant super rats are taking over the Commons and it is costing £6,000 per month for vermin control measures on the parliamentary estate. Surely the traditional use of cats would be more effective and cheaper.

Photo of John Thurso John Thurso Chair, Finance and Services Committee, Chair, Finance and Services Committee

My sympathies are entirely with the hon. Lady. I have a perfectly vicious cat in Thurso which is keeping the rodent population down. There are serious problems in relation to people who are allergic to cats and the diseases they carry. After extensive research, it is believed that there is no rat problem inside the House of Commons—at least, not of the four-legged variety.

Photo of John Bercow John Bercow Chair, Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, Chair, Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, Speaker of the House of Commons, Speaker of the House of Commons, Chair, Speaker's Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, Chair, Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission

We are running late, but we must hear from Miss Anne McIntosh.

Photo of Anne McIntosh Anne McIntosh Chair, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Chair, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee

As I am sure you are aware, Mr Speaker, we have been offered a rescue cat or two from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. I fear I might be allergic to mice and rats—of the two and four-legged variety—so will my hon. Friend consider that very generous offer?

Photo of John Thurso John Thurso Chair, Finance and Services Committee, Chair, Finance and Services Committee

I am certain the Commission would want to consider such a generous offer.