§ MR. H. GARDNER (Essex, Saffron Walden)asked the President of the Local Government Board, Whether he has any information as to the appearance of the Hessian fly in Essex, Hertfordshire, and other parts of Great Britain; whether the attack is of a more serious nature than that reported last year; and, what steps have been taken in the matter by the Agricultural Committee of the Privy Council?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. MATTHEWS)(who replied) (Birmingham, E.)said: According to the information received at the Agricultural Department, the Hessian fly has appeared at Errol, N.B., in Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, and Suffolk. It appears, therefore, to be more widely spread than last year. The Agricultural Department have been advised by Mr. Charles Whitehead, the eminent entomologist who advises the Department in these matters, that a careful investigation should be made on the spot in each case, for which arrangements are being made.