§ 19. Mr. BURNETTasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will request the Entomological Society to advise him how to destroy the swarms of insects which have appeared in Hyde Park during the hot weather and are injuring the plant and tree life in the park?
§ 21. Sir CYRIL COBBasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has been able to ascertain whether the unsatisfactory condition of many of the plane trees in the Mall and in Hyde Park is due to a plague of caterpillars; and, if so, what measures he is taking to prevent its recurrence next year by the destruction of their breeding places?
§ 24. Mr. REMERasked the First Commissioner of Works what steps he is taking to destroy, by spraying with sodium phosphate, the plague of insects on the iron railings of the south side of Hyde Park, in order to reduce the damage by these insects to the trees in various parts of Hyde Park?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe plague of caterpillars in the Royal parks is a question which has been under consideration, and I have sought specialist advice on the subject. I am assured that the present condition of the trees in the Mali is not due to these insects, and I would refer to my reply to the question by my hon. Friend the Member for West Fulham (Sir C. Cobb) on 3rd July, in which I indicated the steps which I propose to take in regard to those trees. I agree however, that all possible measures should be taken to eradicate the vapourer moth, and, although by spraying and by the collection of cocoons considerable reduction in their number has been effected, I am in communication with the Plant Pathological Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries with a view to taking what further measures against them are deemed desirable.
§ Sir ASSHETON POWNALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a large number of earwigs, and will he take steps with regard to them also?
§ Mr. BURNETTWhy have not steps been taken sooner to avoid this destruction?
§ Mr. 0RMSBY-GOREAs I stated in my answer, I am satisfied, on the advice given me, that it is not caterpillars that are destroying these trees but the effect of the two years' drought. Caterpillars are always with us during the summer.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAs I pointed out in my answer, steps have been taken continuously in the past and have been taken during the winter.
§ Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNHas the right hon. Gentleman consulted the Rothamstead authorities, who are making investigations as to the destruction of these insect pests and who have considerable knowledge on the subject?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI rely on the Plant Pathological Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, who are advised by other entomological associations throughout the country. There is no case of waiting for a question, even if it is put by Lord Beaverbrook.