§ 40. Mr. EDEasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of prosecutions undertaken last year of persons alleged to be responsible for growing injurious weeds; the total amount inflicted in fines, with the maximum in any one case; and the total number of cases in which no conviction was secured?
§ Sir R. SANDERSFive prosecutions were authorised. In two instances the occupier destroyed the weeds, thus rendering further action unnecessary. In two others there were technical difficulties that rendered proceedings inadvisable. In the remaining case a conviction was obtained and a fine of 40s. inflicted.
§ Mr. EDEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lax administration of this part of the law is a grave hindrance to the industry of agriculture, and will he undertake to have the law more vigorously administered in the country?
§ Sir R. SANDERSIt is entirely a matter for the county councils, of one of which, I believe, the hon. Member is a member.