§ Mr. J. P. HAYDENasked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the disease known as black scab in potatoes prevails extensively in certain districts in England; and, if so, whether any, and what, steps have been taken by the Board of Agriculture for the stamping out of this disease or for preventing it spreading to other districts?
§ The TREASURER of the HOUSEHOLD (Sir E. Strachey)Yes, I regret to say that this disease is prevalent in many parts of England, chiefly in allotment and cottage gardens. No remedy for it has as yet been discovered, but experiments are being carried out by the Board and several agricultural colleges in the hope of finding one. A leaflet on the subject has been issued by the Board and widely distributed.
§ Mr. B. STANIERIs the hon. Gentleman aware there are many gardens with not a single edible potato and that the disease is spreading from the gardens to the fields?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI am not aware of that.