§ Mr. HAYDENasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the disease of black scab in potatoes extensively prevails in certain districts of England; and whether, in view of the fact that potatoes in considerable quantities for seed and other purposes are imported from England to Ireland, he will take steps, by prohibiting such importation or otherwise, as he thinks fit, to prevent the introduction of this disease into Ireland?
The VICE-PRESIDENT of the DEPARTMENT of AGRICULTURE (Ireland) (Mr. T. W. Russell)The Department are aware that the disease in potatoes known as black scab exists in certain districts in England, and they are fully alive to the necessity of preventing the introduction of this disease into Ireland. The Black Scab in Potatoes (Ireland) Order, 1908, made by the Department in pursuance of the powers conferred on them by the Diseases of Insects and Pests Acts, 1877 and 1907, prohibits the landing in Ireland of any potatoes affected, or suspected of being affected, with black scab.
§ Mr. BEVILLE STANIERAre there any cases reported in Ireland of this black scab?
§ Mr. RUSSELLNone.
§ Mr. JOHN MOONEYHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that a Provisional Order was issued, and came into operation yesterday by the Jersey States Department of Agriculture, prohibiting the importation of potatoes into the Channel Islands from the United Kingdom owing to black scab, and whether, as black scab is not prevalent in Ireland, he will make representations to have Ireland exempted from that Order?
§ Mr. RUSSELLI am aware of this Order having been issued, and I am disposed to take the same steps as the Department took in regard to Malta last year when they issued Orders in reference to black scab.