A cat may be called in to rout the rodents from the corridors of power at Westminster.

The proposal came from Dennis Turner, Chairman of the Catering Committee, in response to a question from Liberal Democrat, Adrian Sanders. What measures, Mr Sanders wanted to know, were being taken to eradicate mice from the Members' Smoking Room?

In a Commons written reply, Mr Turner said although there had been no recent reports of mouse sightings, cleaning standards would be stepped up.

"However, in my personal capacity, I am on record as having said that the traditional way of keeping down rodent infestation is best. It may well be that if chemicals prove ineffective, the House may wish to reconsider re-introducing a cat as a more effective deterrent."

Awaiting the call from Westminster?

If MPs do decide to return to time-honoured methods of ridding the House of rodents, they could do worse than turn to Humphrey, the recently retired Downing Street cat.

Humphrey, who moved to the leafy suburbs of London last year, is well accustomed to mixing with the great and the good.
 

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