(no subject)

[webofevil]

Written Question

Asked by Lord Elton

To ask the Chairman of Committees whether consideration will be given to acquiring a number of respectable cats to reduce the rodent population of the Palace of Westminster. [HL2039]

The Chairman of Committees (Lord Brabazon of Tara): The possible use of cats, respectable or otherwise, to control the rodent population in the Palace of Westminster has been considered and rejected on a number of practical grounds. For example, the cats would ingest mouse poison when eating poisoned mice; there would be nothing to keep them in the areas where they are most needed, or to stop them walking on desks in offices and on tables in restaurants and bars; they can carry fleas and other parasites; and many people are allergic to cat hair. However, the Administration is taking a wide range of other control measures such as significantly increasing the number of bait boxes and traps, sealing mouse access points and intensifying the cleaning regime to minimise the presence of crumbs in the bars and food outlets. The age, construction and location of the Palace of Westminster are such that it will never be possible to eradicate mice entirely, but all appropriate measures are being taken to minimise the numbers.

Comments

[chiller.livejournal.com]

It is telling, that my reaction on reading this was "they could stop putting poison down, rely entirely on the cats, and could easily control the cats' whereabouts with use of a wire loop system."

Hell, Lalia and Anton could have that place mouse-free inside one ecstatic bloodbathtastic weekend.

The allergy to cat hair, however, remains an issue.

[strange-powers.livejournal.com]

Spacesuits become mandatory for all MPs. Sorted.

[lifesizemonkey.livejournal.com]

"Lord Brabazon of Tara"???! There must be an explanation for this.

[chiller.livejournal.com]

You are HIRED.

[webofevil.livejournal.com]

The noble Lord started his career as a villain in Blake's 7.

[fiat-knox.livejournal.com]

Besides, the cats could become too efficient in curbing the rodent population in Westminster. You need some to remain alive to vote on various motions.