§ MR. WEBSTER, (St. Pancras, E.)asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Whether he has noticed the report in The Mark Lane Express that the Colorado beetle has appeared in Germany; if he has official information if such is the case or not; and, if that insect has appeared in Germany, whether precautions will be taken to prevent its importation into this country?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY (Lord JOHN MANNERS) (Leicestershire, E.)Official information of the existence of the Colorado bettle in Germany was received on August 5, and the Papers were at once referred to the agricultural, adviser of the Department, Mr. Whitehead, who advised that particulars should be obtained from the German Government as to the circumstances in which the beetle had been found in Germany, as well as to the extent of its depredations. A reply has been received from Germany; and Mr. Whitehead had expressed his opinion that, as the German Authorities have taken such prompt steps to prevent the spread of the Colorado beetle, and, as it seems to have been confined to two small areas, it is hardly necessary for the Government to adopt measures to interfere with the importation of haulm or soil of German potatoes, or to put the Injurious Insects Act into operation. The German Government have been requested to furnish a further Report on the subject in the course of a few weeks.