§ 6. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked whether, as a result of research work carried on by the National Fruit and Cider Institute at Long Ashton, in Somerset, it has been clearly demonstrated that the blackening of pear blossom and foliage, resulting in the withering of the fruit, is due to a specific bacillus, and not to frost and cold winds, as hitherto popularly supposed; and, if so, whether the Board will, for the information of fruit growers, publish a leaflet accurately describing the disease and suggesting an effective preventive or remedy?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe discovery to which the hon. Member refers has recently been brought to the notice of the Board. No remedial measures can yet be suggested, and at present it would be premature to issue a leaflet on the subject.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTMay I ask whether there happened to be in existence a misleading leaflet of the Board on this subject prior to the research work to which I made reference?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am not aware of that fact.