§ 67. Captain MURRAYasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will bear in mind the necessity for the passage into law of the Bee Disease Bill; and whether he will take all possible steps to pass the Bill through all its stages at an early date?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)I am well aware of the widespread demand amongst bee-keepers and gardeners for the passing of this Bill into law, and I hope that the Second Reading will be secured in the near future.
§ Captain MURRAYHas the right hon. Gentleman any information to show that the Bill is in any sense a controversial measure?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI see no evidence up to the present of the fact of it being opposed.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a Motion for the rejection of the Bill is standing in the name of the hon. Member for Leigh (Mr. Raffan)? Is he not also aware that the small bee owners are up in arms against this measure?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, I am not aware that the small bee owners are up in arms against the measure. I have had hundreds of letters from them, and they invariably express alarm at the measure not being passed.
Several hon. Members rose—
§ Mr. SPEAKERDiscussion can be continued when the Bill comes on.