THE O'DONOGHUEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether, now that it is more than probable that the Colorado beetle may reach Ireland, where its depredations, would be very injurious, steps will be taken by the 688 Government to give such information as will render the recognition of the insect easy, together with instructions pointing out the best means for its destruction and the places where the deposit of its eggs are most likely to be found?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHI fear it is possible that the Colorado beetle may reach Ireland, though I think the hon. Member goes too far in assuming that it is more than probable that such will be the case. However, I quite agree with him as to the serious consequences that would result from any extensive ravages of this insect in Ireland; and I will, after communication with the authorities in Great Britain, see how far his suggestion can be acted upon. But I would point out that to some extent that information has been furnished by the private enterprise of the proprietor of The Farmers' Gazette in Dublin. Two years ago a large coloured engraving of the beetle and information as to its habits were circulated largely among the agriculturists in Ireland owing to the public spirit of that gentleman.