HC Deb 22 July 1946 vol 425 cc1672-3
50. Sir G. Fox

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether investigations have been made into the activities of the Colorado beetle over the last two years, respectively; and if he will give an estimate of how serious the danger from this pest is in this country.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

Yes, Sir: every known occurrence of the Colorado beetle in this country during the last two years has been investigated. The beetle is now widespread in Western Europe and there is undoubtedly serious risk of its introduction here. Every effort is made to obtain the earliest possible notification of its appearance so that the necessary measures can be taken at once to destroy it. I have every reason to hope that the continuance of the energetic measures which the Ministry has pursued for many years may succeed in preventing the establishment of the pest in this country.

Sir G. Fox

Can the Minister say how many areas are affected in this country?

Mr. Williams

In the last few outbreaks one single beetle has been concerned, and so there has been no widespread outbreak.

Mr. David Renton

Is the Minister satisfied that the danger of this terrible pest is fully understood on the Continent, and that suitable steps are being taken to reduce it there?

Mr. Williams

I am afraid that we have no control over the Continent. We can only exercise control over anything we may import from any part of continental Europe.

Mr. C. S. Taylor

Are steps being taken to try and find the father and mother of this beetle?

Mr. Blackburn

Is the case being investigated by the Agricultural Research Council, and are they considering means which can be taken to prevent these outbreaks?

Mr. Williams

I have already informed the House that whenever a beetle is discovered in this country active and energetic steps are taken to see that there is no spreading of the pest. As we do not regard it as endemic here there is no reason to go beyond the steps we are taking.

57. Mr. Butcher

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many outbreaks of infection by Colorado beetle have been discovered in England and Wales since 3rd September, 1939; and how many insects afterwards identified as Colorado beetles have been captured.

Mr. T. Williams

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Central Glasgow (Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison) on 15th July.

Mr. Blackburn

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the Question which I have addressed to him—whether the Agricultural Research Council are investigating the causes of these outbreaks, and what steps are being taken to prevent a repetition?

Mr. Williams

The Agricultural Research Council know the habits and ways of this particular beetle, and, once they are aware of its presence in this country, they arc quite capable of coping with it.