§ 42. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture what action the United States of America Government has taken in restricting the importation of garden plants and products as a precaution against the introduction of disease from Continental and other countries; and whether similar measures are proposed in order to safeguard British agricultural and horticultural production?
Mr. GUINNESSThe entry of plants and plant products into the United States of America is governed by a regulation known as Quarantine 37, which prohibits the general importation of nursery stock, bulbs, etc., but allows the importation of certain classes of plants and bulbs under conditions which require the importer first to obtain from the Federal Horticultural Board a permit for the admission of the consignments. The measures taken and powers available in this country are not precisely similar, but are, I think, sufficient. The importation of plants is governed by the Destructive Insects and Pests Order of 1922 and the Colorado Beetle Order of 1923, and under the Destructive Insects and Pests Acts, 1877 to 1927, the Ministry has power to make such additional Orders as from time to time may be considered necessary to protect the farmers and fruit growers in this country against the introduction of dangerous plant diseases and insect pests.
§ Mr. HURDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Dutch grower is now circulating in this country a catalogue offering 100,000 rose bushes which have been refused in the United States?
Mr. GUINNESSAs I have said, the United States Regulations are drawn up from a different standpoint. The United States Regulations are drawn up with a view to fiscal protection; our's are drawn up with a view to protection against disease.
§ Mr. HURDIs it not on the ground of risk of disease that these 100,000 bushes have been excluded from the United States?
Mr. GUINNESSIn that case, I do not believe that they would be admitted to this country. If my hon. Friend sends me the details, I shall be glad to look into them.