Written question asked by Joan Walley (Labour) on Thursday, 13 January 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 25 January 2000. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 January 2000 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what the findings were of the 1996 English House Condition Survey on the relationship between rat infestations in and around dwellings and (a) unfitness and (b) poor living conditions. - Inc figures and ref to "Rodent infestations in domestic properties in England" copy in Library.

Answer: Ms Walley: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what the findings were of the 1996 English House Condition Survey on the relationship between rat infestations in and around dwellings and (a) unfitness and (b) poor living conditions. [105483] Mr. Morley: The results of the 1996 survey were published in the recent MAFF report "Rodent infestations in domestic properties in England". Figure 3.2 in the report relating to the fitness of dwellings shows that 1.3 per cent. of satisfactory and acceptable dwellings have rats outside, compared to around 3 per cent. of defective and unfit dwellings. Less than 1 per cent. of fit and unfit dwellings have rats inside the dwelling. Figure 3.4 relating to problems in the area shows that rat infestations were higher in areas with the most problems. A copy of the report is in the Library of the House.

Secondary information