§ MR. BELLOC (Salford, S.)To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he has any official information showing that the American gooseberry mildew is a new disease to Europe, imported from America about 1900, and since then introduced into England; and, if so, whether the Board will take immediate steps, by the issue of a new circular, or otherwise, to impress this fact on growers with the object of making them realise the necessity of treating the mildew as a new infectious disease of which they have hitherto had no experience.
§ (Answered by Sir Edward Strachey.) It is generally agreed that the disease in question is a comparatively new one so far as Europe is concerned. The information in our possession shows that it has existed in Worcestershire for the last four years. We have already issued one circular advising fruit growers as to the best methods for preventing the spread of the disease, and we propose to issue another in the spring. The point to which my hon. friend draws attention will not be lost sight of, and, as he is aware, a Bill to confer further powers upon the Board and upon the local authorities to deal with insect and other pests generally will shortly be introduced by my noble friend.