§ Mr. FREDERICK WHYTEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the bee pest has spread to certain districts in 1377 Perthshire; and what steps he is prepared to take to deal with it?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI have seen in the Press that disease exists in Blair Atholl and elsewhere, but only one report has been made to the Board, and in that case the bees have been destroyed. If the other owners of diseased bees will communicate with the Board, their cases shall be investigated.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEMay I ask if it was last year that this disease spread in the districts he mentioned, and all hives were destroyed then, so that it is believed that the disease was stamped out, and the Board of Agriculture and the Scottish office have given every assistance in the matter?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI believe what the Noble Lord states is correct with reference to his district.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTMay I ask whether, owing to the increase of this disease all over the country, there is a very serious danger to fruit growers, owing to the lack of pollenation next year?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI ant aware that that is a very serious matter, and the Board are exercising all their powers to stamp out the disease as far as possible.