§ 30 and 31. Mr. STANIERasked the President of the Local Government Board (1) whether the inquiry into the life-history of the house-fly and its relation to disease is completed; if so, what are the conclusions arrived at; and what has been the cost of the inquiry; and (2), whether he is aware that there has been a successful cultivation of the parasitical fungus Empusa nmscæ, which has been recommended by the officers of his Board to be used for the destruction of house flies; and if he is taking any steps to-enable the public to acquire the fungus spores in a condition ready for use?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Burns)The investigations which I have caused to be made into the life-history of the house fly have been partly summarised in the Annual Report of my medical officer for the year 1910–11, and a further summary of subsequent researches will be given in his forthcoming Annual Report. The sum of £655 5s. has been spent in the course of five years on these inquiries. The investigations I have authorised for the present financial year are closed, but the question of continuing them in the next financial year, including the question of the cultivation of the fungus to which the hon. Member refers, is receiving my consideration.
§ Mr. STANIERCan the right hon. Gentleman not give more up-to-date information than that?
§ Mr. BURNSIf the hon. Member will look at the Annual Report of the Local Government Board, which will be circulated at the end of the week, he will find that the investigations are continued, and I think if he inquires into them as microscopically as he undoubtedly has done to put this question to me, his mind will be well informed on this subject.
§ Mr. G. D. FABERCan the right hon. Gentleman, when he is completing that inquiry into the history of the house fly, extend his investigation into the history of the political limpet?
§ Mr. BURNSThere are no limpets or flies on this side of the House. I see a few before me whose buzz is in disproportion to their sting.