§ 21. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he realises the increasing damage to hides in Ireland, as well as in Great Britain, caused by the maggots of the ox warble-fly; whether his Department have the power of making it compulsory upon stock owners to squeeze out from the skins of their cattle and destroy all such maggots during the first four months of the year, and so 571 prevent their multiplication during the autumn through the deposit by the mature flies of thousands of eggs upon the legs and backs of cattle; and, if so, whether, in the interests both of the afflicted cattle and of the leather trade, he will consider the advisability of exercising such power?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIn the absence of my right hon. Friend I will answer this question. The Department fully realise the damage done by the warble-fly. They have no power to compel the stock owners to act as suggested by the hon. Member. The Department have for several years been carrying on investigations into the methods of suppressing this pest, and have recently applied to the Development Commissioners for a Grant to extend and complete these investigations. When fuller information is available regarding the life history of this insect the Department will consider the question of seeking powers to compel stock owners to adopt measures for its eradication.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the description of the life history of this pest, as issued by the Irish Department, is entirely different to the life history as described by the English Board?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThat is often the case in biographies.
§ Mr. KINGIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the use of unused oil out of motor engines when rubbed on the hides is very effective, and will he issue a circular embodying that information?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI will see what can be done in that direction.