HC Deb 08 February 1875 vol 222 cc77-8
MR. HERBERT

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether Her Majesty's Government have taken any steps to prevent the introduction of the Colorado beetle into Ireland by the importation of American seed potatoes, or otherwise; and, should no precautions have already boon instituted, what are the intentions of Her Majesty's Government on this subject?

SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH

The subject of the hon. Member's Question was brought under my notice some time back, and I thought it right first to ascertain what steps had been taken by Foreign Governments in the matter. I find that the only Governments which have taken any real action are those of Austria and Belgium. The former has assured the Government of Switzerland, which had warned the European maritime countries of the possible danger, that the importation of American potatoes would be prohibited; and the Belgian Government has introduced a Bill for a similar purpose, which has been agreed to by a Special Committee. I have also made inquiries as to the nature and extent of the evil to be apprehended. I think there is reason to suppose that the harm recently done to the American potato crop has been much exaggerated, and I am informed that the insect in question has been known in America for more than a century. It attacks the stalks and leaves of the potato plant, not the root, though that naturally becomes diseased in consequence. No potato stalks or leaves are imported from America, and as only healthy roots would be imported, it would seem hardly possible that the insect could be thus conveyed into this country. I am now in communication with the English Privy Council on the subject, because it is obvious that if any preventive measures are adopted, they ought to apply to the whole of Great Britain as well as to Ireland. But I must add that the importation of potatoes into the United Kingdom, especially in the event of a failure of the home crop, is very largo, and therefore any interference with this trade would require the most careful consideration on the part of Her Majesty's Government.