§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board has any information showing the amount of the annual loss suffered by agriculturists, butchers, and tanners in Great Britain in consequence of the damage caused to the hides of cattle by the larvæ of the ox warble fly; and, if not, whether the Board can obtain such information?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe Board have no official information as to the extent of the damage done by the warble fly, and it would be difficult to obtain it without considerable outlay and difficulty.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTMay I ask whether, in view of the alleged large loss of national wealth from this cause, the Board will see fit to institute an inquiry into this matter?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYWe will consider the question. We cannot guarantee an inquiry.