§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take precautionary measures to prevent the importation of peas or other produce containing live weevils, such as of the species Bruchus Pisorum; and what steps he is taking to prevent weevils which are imported from spreading to our own crops.
Mr. AmoryI am advised that, although this insect has been found from time to time on imported peas, there is no evidence that it has established itself in this country, nor that it is likely to do so. In these circumstances, I do not propose
52Whigh and it is estimated that yields per acre are above the five-year average; in many areas substantially.
As regards potatoes, sugar beet and other root crops, the dry warm weather during the summer was unfavourable for growth and yields per acre will be below average. Potatoes are generally of good quality and free from blight but are smaller than usual. Sugar beet is of good quality and satisfactory sugar content.
The dry weather also affected leys and pastures and, although rain brought improvement in several areas, growth in the late summer and autumn has on the whole been slow. The lack of grass has made supplementary feeding necessary in many districts.
The latest estimates of yields per acre of the principal crops in England and Wales in 1955 are shown below, together with last year's yields and five-year averages (1950–54).
to take action under the Destructive Insect and Pests Acts, but the position will he kept under review.