§ 13. Mr. H. Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the seaweed fly, known as coelopa frigid a, is now feeding on vegetation inland; and, having regard to the menace to food production, what action he proposes to take to destroy this plague.
§ Sir T. DugdaleI have no evidence that the seaweed fly is feeding on inland vegetation or that it is a menace to food production. I know there has been some confusion in the Press and elsewhere between the seaweed fly (coelopa frigida) and another fly which infests mushroom-houses (megaselia plurispinosa). This fly has recently attacked crops in mushroom houses in the south-eastern counties and has caused considerable damage. Various insecticides have been used but are not entirely effective, and other methods of control are being actively studied.
§ Mr. JohnsonIf I send my right hon. Friend some evidence—probably the pupae—of this fly living and thriving on Brussels sprouts, will he then take some action?
§ Sir T. DugdaleYes, Sir. We are constantly studying this matter. The reason 1295 why I tried to pronounce these rather curious Latin names was because there has been a misunderstanding as to the exact type of fly. The second one is the dangerous one, and is doing the damage. We are doing all we can to exterminate it.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs there any evidence that this second fly, with the longer and more imposing name, has now reached London?
§ Mr. JohnsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that the specimen which I shall be sending him is the pupae of the coelopa frigida, which is the fly mentioned in my Question, and the one which is feeding on Brussels sprouts at the present time?
§ Sir T. DugdaleIf my hon. Friend can give me the evidence, I will, of course, look into it.