§ MR. HOWELL (Bethnal Green, N.E.)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether his attention has been called to the Reports on the Locust Campaign in Cyprus in 1885 and 1886; whether "the actual cost of locust destruction" in the year ending 30th June, 1885, was £3,387, and in the year ending 30th June, 1886, £3,341; whether, as a result of this expenditure and of previous expenditure, the engineer reports—
I have satisfied myself that great destruction has been wrought among the locust swarms, and they have been so kept down that there is no reason to apprehend an increase next year;whether the Government is satisfied with the result so far obtained—namely, "that there is no reason to apprehend an increase next year;" and, whether it is the intention of the Government to increase the staff by supplying each Commissioner with two assistants?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)My attention has been called to these Reports. I believe the actual cost of locust destruction in the year ending June 30, 1885, was £3,387, and in the year ending June 30, 1886, £3,341. The result of the locust campaigns of recent years is regarded as highly satisfactory. The insects have ceased to do any appreciable injury to the crops. The question of the assistance to be granted to each District Commissioner for locust work is con- 76 sidered in the spring of each year according to the estimate of the work to be done. I can give no further information at this time of the year.