Mr. ARNOLD HERBERTasked the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the Board of Agriculture in England has any powers for the eradication of noxious weeds similar to the powers proposed to be conferred upon the Board of Agriculture in Ireland by the Weeds and Agricultural Seeds Bill recently introduced by the Vice-President of 380W the Board of Agriculture in Ireland; and, if not, whether the Board will consider the desirability of extending the provisions of that Bill to England and Wales?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe Board have no such powers as those mentioned. The Bill in question has been drafted to meet the special conditions of agriculture in Ireland, and it could not be extended to England and Wales without considerable modifications. It is doubtful whether British agriculturists would favour legislation on the subject at the present time, but the suggestion of my hon. Friend will be borne in mind, and the views of agriculturists-respecting it will be noted and carefully considered.