HC Deb 25 June 1936 vol 313 c1958
68. Major CARVER

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can make any statement as to the discovery of the Colorado beetle in hay imported from Canada; whether many such beetles have been discovered; and whether any hay has been distributed in this country before minute examination as to whether it contained these insects?

Mr. ELLIOT

One Colorado beetle was discovered last week on the steamship "Beaverhill" which arrived in London direct from Montreal. The beetle was found in a hold which contained motor cars, and not in a hold where hay had been stowed. The vessel was thoroughly searched and no further specimens of the beetle were found. I am satisfied that no risk of the introduction of the beetle into this country is involved by the distribution of the hay which was unloaded from the ship.

Sir JOSEPH LAMB

Can the Minister say whether this stowaway was made to work?

Mr. H. G. WILLIAMS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this beetle from Colorado was a man or a woman?

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