HC Deb 26 November 1912 vol 44 c1010
67. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he proposes to take any steps to promote the standardisation of packages containing fruit, and of the numerous varieties now grown in English orchards and fruit plantations, so as to render their produce more marketable?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Not at present.

68. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he proposes to introduce legislation, similar to that in operation in many of the United States and in the Oversea Dominions, to render compulsory the spraying of orchards and fruit plantations infested with easily communicable insect or fungoid pests, or the destruction by fire of infested fruit trees and bushes, in order to prevent injury and commercial loss to fruit growers clue to the carelessness or ignorance of their neighbours?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The Destructive Insects and Pests Acts, 1877 and 1907, already enable the Board to direct the spraying or destruction of fruit trees and bushes for the purpose of preventing the spread of any destructive insect, fungus, or pest.