Cook carpets Commons cat call

Mr Cook fears a cat might take the library seats

Plans for a House of Commons cat to clear up its perennial mice problem have been vetoed - because the furry feline might compete with MPs for Westminster's comfiest seats.

Commons leader Robin Cook threw out the suggestion of a moggie patrolling the corridors of power because he feared it might take over the sofas in the library.

He also refused to play cat and mouse politics, arguing that his animal-loving colleagues might spoil and over-feed the parliamentary pet.

Mr Cook says a dog might solve the problem

But Scottish Terrier-owner Mr Cook proved he was not against bringing in a domestic pet to sort out the mouse infestation - and recommended that perhaps the Commons could buy a dog.

The Commons leader put his parliamentary paw down after Ulster Unionist MP Roy Beggs asked the House take on a cat.

A group of MPs have already signed an Early Day motion calling for the Commons to employ cats after one spotted a mouse appearing under the skirting board after a meal in the members' dining room.

Security dog?

Mr Beggs quoted the ditty "there's a moose, loose aboot this hoose."

"I have seen a mouse in the Terrace cafeteria, in the Members' tearoom, and indeed in the House of Lords and I wonder if the Leader of the House is ... addressing the problem."

If we did have a House of Commons cat it would rapidly become spoilt, overfed and compete with us for the use of the sofas in the library

Robin Cook

The East Antrim MP urged Mr Cook to follow his advice that "the females of the species are much better hunters than tom cats."

But Mr Cook retorted: "I have to say I have some sympathy with the view that's been expressed by Ann Widdecombe that if we did have a House of Commons cat it would rapidly become spoilt, overfed and compete with us for the use of the sofas in the library."

But to laugher from the House, he added: "I would possibly move my own modest amendment as the proud owner of two Scottish terriers that possibly we could buy a Scottish terrier."

Unwelcome friends

Cat-loving Tory former minister Ann Widdecombe was devastated when her grandly named felines Carruthers and Pugwash died within a fortnight of each other.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat John Pugh has told how he caught sight of an intruder in the MPs' restaurant.

"We noticed a little mouse going backwards and forwards - it was very brave, very bold and it looked extremely healthy," he said.

Perhaps US President George Bush's Scottish Terrier Barney could help?

Colleague John Barrett, MP for Edinburgh West, said: "I appreciate it is not the most serious issue but we can't always be serious.

"But the fact is that in an outside restaurant this would be a serious environment health matter."

Mr Barrett was spurred on by news of mice munching on breakfast cereal at the Scottish Parliamentary Offices at George IV Bridge.

Munching MPs

Referring to Socks, the cat formerly at the White House, and the ex-Downing Street cat Humphrey, he said it was about time there was a cat at the Palace of Westminster.

Dr Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat shadow international development secretary said: "MPs are munching all over the place - so the mice have quality food droppings.

"I think we just need to get MPs to clean up a bit."

"Just imagine what would happen when one (cat) got into the House of Commons during prime minister's question time and got itself in front of Mr Blunkett's dog."

MPs are now calling for the Commons administration committee to investigate the problem.