§ 25. Mr. CADOGANasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information showing that the experiment of breeding beneficial parasites with a view to fighting insect plagues in our overseas Dominions has proved a success?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes, Sir. I understand from the director of the Imperial Bureau of Entomology that, during the 18 months in which this experiment was being carried out, two successful introductions of beneficial parasites were effected, namely a parasite of the pear-slug, which is causing serious damage to orchards in New Zealand, and a parasite which was introduced from Nyasaland into Nigeria with a view to control of Glossina tachinoides, a species of tsetse fly prevalent in Nigeria. Two parasites of the earwig have also been introduced into New Zealand, but, owing 10 to difficulties in rearing them in the laboratory there, the strains have died out. Unfortunately, this work had to be suspended, but it is hoped to resume it shortly.
§ Mr. P. HARRISWill the benefit of any of these parasites be available in this country to fight our insect pests?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe Imperial Bureau is meeting at this moment representatives from all parts of the Empire and from this country, and co-ordinating the work of research in matters of this kind.