§ Mr. STANIERasked if the Board of Agriculture could recall the letter 9 154–1 (13351) which had been sent to the county councils on the subject of black scab in potatoes, in which it asked that a specimen of the diseased potato should be sent, if possible, to the Board when the disease was notified?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe communication A. 154–1, to which the hon. Member refers, merely sets out the purport of Article I. of the Destructive Insects and Pests Order of 1908, and inasmuch as the Board are not aware of any sound objection to its issue, they are not prepared to recall it. Experience has shown us that potato growers are often ignorant of the nature of black scab, and it is therefore necessary at times to obtain specimens of suspected potatoes before a diagnosis of the disease with which they are affected can be made.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEIs the sending of a letter the high-water mark of what has been done up to the present by the Board of Agriculture to stamp out black scab?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYCertainly not.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEWhat else has been done?
§ Mr. STANIERAre the Board aware that this disease is not only contagious, but infectious, and that therefore the practice will spread the disease?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe Board do not think there is any danger in what they are doing.
§ Mr. COURTHOPEWill they make inquiries as to whether or not there is danger?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIf my hon. Friend can give the Board any valuable information they will be glad to have it.