§ 39. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture in what counties gooseberry mildew has been most prevalent during the present season; and whether recent official Returns indicate, after comparison with those of the previous three years, that this disease is on the increase in Great Britain?
§ Mr. MONTAGU (for Mr. Runciman)American gooseberry mildew has unfortunately been prevalent during the present season in most of the counties in which gooseberries are grown, and a larger number of cases have been brought to the 971 knowledge of the Board this year than in the previous three years. The increase in the number of cases reported is partly attributable to the exceptionally unfavourable season and partly to the more general observance of the requirements of the law as to the notification of the disease.