§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked whether the Board has received a representation from the Royal Agricultural Society of England to the effect that the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act in its present form is inoperative and requires amendment; and, if so, whether, in view of the injury which is being inflicted upon farmers, small holders, and cottage pig-keepers by adulteration, the Government will at an early date introduce a Bill for its amendment.
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Board will be glad to consider any practical suggestion for the Amendment of the Act and inquire into any specific case of injury to farmers by adulteration that may be brought to our notice, but the Board will consider if further legislation is required.
§ Sir WILLIAM GELDERIs it a fact that when county councils send up samples to the Board of Agriculture under the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act they have often to wait six or seven weeks before they get permission to prosecute, and whether this delay does not often prevent county councils taking proceedings within the specified period of three months, which renders the Act imperative?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIf it is so, and if the hon. Member gives me information as to any cases, I shall inquire into them.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTDoes the hon. Gentleman consider that the concurrence of the Board of Agriculture is desirable?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIt is in the Act.