HC Deb 18 February 1914 vol 58 cc933-4
38. Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what areas under the Departmental Order of the 2nd February have been declared, or are about to be declared, by the Board infected with wart disease in potatoes; and whether, in view of the alarm felt on the American continent owing to the supposed extensive prevalence of this disease in Great Britain and the recent restrictions imposed by the United States Government upon potatoes exported from this country, he will take steps to reassure American importers and obtain a modification of such restrictions in favour of districts in England and Wales which are not infected with the disease?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

Copies of all the Orders issued by the Board declaring areas to be infected with wart disease will be presented to Parliament. If the hon. Gentleman so desires, I shall be pleased to send him a list of them. The Board have already made formal representations through the usual channels to the United States Government, with the object referred to in the second part of the question.

39. Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked if, in view of the prevailing ignorance as to the nature and external appearances of wart disease in potatoes and of the provision in the Board's Order of the 2nd instant that growers shall forthwith notify the existence of disease to the Board, he will take steps to give to growers, through the provincial Press, a full description of the disease, so that they may recognise it if existing on their premises?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

A new edition of the Board's leaflet on wart disease is in preparation, and an illustrated poster will shortly be issued, to be exhibited in all districts in which the disease occurs. I have no doubt that in this, as in all matters of agricultural interest, the Board will be able to rely upon the ready cooperation of the provincial Press.

Mr. BATHURST

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of publishing some picture of this disease in the agricultural papers?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I shall be quite glad to let the agricultural papers have a copy of the agricultural poster, of which they can make any use they like; we do not claim any copyright.