HC Deb 11 April 1892 vol 3 cc1106-7
MR. MARK STEWART (Kirkcudbright)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, considering that the plague of field mice or voles continues to spread, and is doing most serious damage in certain districts of the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, Dumfriesshire, and other parts of Scotland, he will appoint a Departmental Committee to have a thoroughly scientific investigation of this scourge, and of the best methods of stamping it out?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. CHAPLIN,) Lincolnshire, Sleaford

I replied on Thursday last to a precisely similar question, and I am afraid I have nothing to add to what I said on that occasion. I must refer the hon. Member to the answer I then gave.

MR. MARK STEWART

Will the right hon. Gentleman make further investigations during the Recess?

MR. CHAPLIN

I beg to say that we have already made as full investigation into this question as seems to be possible, and there is nothing to lead me to believe that I should acquire any further information which would tend to throw any fresh light on the question. I frankly acknowledge that I do not see my way to any action on the part of the Board of Agriculture.