§ 12. Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has yet made any advance in his researches into the means of destroying bracken in Scotland?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONThe investigation into the disease affecting bracken has been continued throughout the winter. It is hoped to put into operation during the summer a scheme of intensive experimental work into methods of eradicating bracken including the use of diseased plants and of chemicals.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHas the hon. Gentleman personally visited any of these experiments and has his Department yet discovered the difference between frosted bracken and diseased bracken?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONWith regard to the second part of the supplementary question, I should require notice. The answer to the first part is in the affirmative.
§ Major COLFOXHas the hon. Gentleman's Department experimented with the use of the ordinary pig as a destructive agent of bracken and its roots?
§ Mr. McSHANEIs this bracken a weed?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONI understand so.