HC Deb 09 November 1908 vol 195 c1715
MR. J. MACVEAGH

asked as to the nature of the official report on the outbreak of black scab in Irish potatoes.

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

I am glad to say that up to this afternoon no further cases have been reported. The inspector is on the spot making all the investigations that can be made. So far as the general potato crop is concerned, I am glad to say it is estimated that it will prove the best crop for the past ten years.

MR. J. MACVEAGH

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the English Board of Agriculture has admitted that 244 outbreaks of black scab have occurred in Great Britain in recent years, and as this is the first outbreak in Ireland may it not reasonably be concluded that this disease was communicated from England to Ireland? Also—

*MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should put these Questions down on the Paper.

CAPTAIN DONELAX

Does the hon. Gentleman include County Cork in his estimate as to the potato crop?

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

The estimate is for the whole of Ireland. Perhaps it will relieve the mind of my hon. friends if I say that our investigation so far as it has gone shows there is no reason to suppose the disease arose from imported potatoes.