§ 38. Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that 90 tons of foreign potatoes were dumped by barge on 16th June on a dust shoot at Wennington; will he inquire 2008 as to whether these have been taken away by the inhabitants; and, in view of the local fear that the Colorado beetle may thus be introduced into the district, will he make inquiries to see whether there is any risk of infection of any sort to existing potato crops?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am aware of the dumping referred to and on inquiry I find that some of the potatoes were taken away from the dump by the inhabitants. Steps have been taken to ensure that the remainder of the potatoes will be so treated as to guard against the risk of the conveyance of infection to potato crops in the district. I am satisfied that there is no risk of the introduction of the Colorado beetle through the medium of these potatoes.