§ 43. Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Minister of Public Building and Works whether he is aware of the recurrent nuisance annually in September to householders from incursions of swarming yellow flies, Thaumatomia Notata; and, having regard to the fact that these pests originate from water, whether he will take preventive measures in regard to the lakes and ponds in the Royal Parks to abate this nuisance.
§ Mr. John SilkinI have been advised by the British Museum (Natural History) that all the available evidence suggests that this species of fly does not originate from water.
§ Sir D. Walker-SmithIf it does not originate from water, whence does it originate? From wherever it originates, will the Minister kindly take preventive measures, as requested?
§ Mr. SilkinThe question where it originated is a matter for the followers 944 of Charles Darwin, and not for my Department, but I am told that in any event the flies are quite harmless and may easily be killed, if so desired, by insecticidal sprays and the bodies swept up or removed with a vacuum cleaner.