§ 28. Sir GIFFORD FOXasked the Minister of Agriculture how many cases of Colorado Beetle have been brought to his attention during the recent summer and autumn; and whether he is satisfied that the present arrangements are sufficient to prevent the spread of this pest?
§ Mr. ELLIOTTwo or three beetles have been discovered in each of 10 allotments and gardens in the Tilbury district and two in a group of allotments on the other side of the Thames at Gravesend. I can assure my hon. Friend that I am fully alive to the menace of this pest and no efforts will be spared to prevent its establishment in this country. I hope that the precautions which have been and are being taken and which will be supplemented by further measures during the coming summer will be effective.
§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLECan the right hon. Gentleman say how these beetles came into this country?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am afraid I cannot say, but the centre of the infestation is not a very great distance on the other side of the Channel.