§ 20. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether in view of the economic importance of the destruction of bracken, he is investigating the spread of a parasite or fungus, which in many districts of Scotland is killing the bracken, in order to determine whether this disease is likely to be harmful to other vegetation or whether it can be artificially spread and used as a weapon against bracken in other districts?
§ The LORD ADVOCATEI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on the 18th instant by the Minister of Agriculture to a question on this subject addressed to him by the hon. and gallant Member for Newbury (Brigadier-General H. Brown). Investigations into the various aspects of the disease, and in particular into the nature and life history of the fungus associated with it, are at present proceeding under the direction of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland. It is too early yet to make any definite statement in regard to the possibility of making use of the disease for the eradication or control of bracken or as to its effect on other vegetation. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of a pamphlet which gives information regarding the work already done in Scotland in connection with the investigation of the disease.