§ 36. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Minister of Agriculture how many countries at the present time refuse to admit British-grown potatoes; and what steps he is taking to get the restrictions removed?
§ Dr. ADDISONAccording to the latest information in my possession, seven countries now prohibit the entry of all British-grown potatoes; two prohibit the entry of seed potatoes, and four the entry of Ware. In the case of the only three countries which are of importance from the point of view which the hon. and gallant. Member presumably has in mind, representations have been made during the last few years without success; but the representations will be renewed on any favourable opportunity.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGECan the right hon. Gentleman say at approximately what date these representations were made?
§ Dr. ADDISONI should be glad to have notice of that question.
§ Sir W. MITCHELL-THOMSONDo we admit potatoes from those countries which exclude ours?
§ Dr. ADDISONI am afraid I must ask for notice of that question also.
§ Major ROSSHas the right hon. Gentleman in his representations offered to import only varieties immune from wart disease?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe do exclude them where there is a risk of wart disease.
§ Major ROSSHas the right hon. Gentleman offered to say that he would guarantee that only those species immune by their nature from wart disease should be exported to the United States?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe have had various suggestions of that kind, but I am afraid that that is not practicable. We made some suggestions last year, but they were not accepted.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEWhat would the Minister consider to be a favourable opportunity? I would suggest that this year is a good opportunity to make fresh representations for next year's crop.
§ 41. Mr. ROSBOTHAMasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been drawn to the rapid spread of the ravages of the Colorado beetle in France, necessitating considerable expenditure in order to check the pest; and what precautions does he propose to take to safeguard the potato crop in Great Britain?
§ Dr. ADDISONI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply on this subject given by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to the hon. and gallant Member for Howdenshire (Major Carver) last Thursday. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of that reply and a copy of the Order to which it refers. I may add that I am examining the extent of the area of infestation with the view of deciding what further precautions are necessary.