asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the urban population of rats has increased since the introduction of plastic rubbish bags; and, if so, by what estimated percentages; and [HL957]Whether the urban population of foxes has increased since the introduction of plastic rubbish bags; and, if so, by what estimated percentage. [HL958]

The DETR does not have any specific data on the increase in the urban rat population since the introduction of plastic rubbish bags. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) report on Rodent infestations in domestic properties in England reports on the extent of rodent infestations using data collected in the DETR's 1996 English House Condition Survey (EHCS). A key finding is that 0.4 per cent of dwellings were infested by indoor rats and 1.7 per cent of dwellings affected by outdoor rats. The infestation rates were higher in urban areas and dwellings in areas with substantial problems such as dereliction, litter, vacant properties and scruffy gardens had a higher rate of infestation. There are no similar data available from the EHCS on foxes.