§ Mr. JAMES HOPEasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, having regard to the divergence of opinion on the Bee Disease Bill and to the technical nature of the question involved, such as the immunity of Punic bees and the like, he will agree to the committal of the Bill to a Select Committee, with power to hear evidence, and report thereon?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe object of the Bill is to enable the Board to make such orders as they think expedient to prevent the introduction and spread of disease, but no detailed procedure is laid down. Technical questions such as those to which the hon. Member refers will continue to be investigated by the Board, and the procedure will depend upon the results of such investigation. In the circumstances I do not think that it is either necessary or desirable to refer the Bill to a Select Committee.