§ Sir F. FLANNERYasked the Food Controller if he can state the total quantity of honey produced in England in each of the five years ending December, 1918; whether, having regard to the reduction an the quantity of honey due to the spread of the Isle of Wight disease to the hives, he will take steps to introduce regulations to stamp out that disease; and whether the Government will, at the earliest possible moment, introduce such legislation with regard to the Isle of Wight disease 2028W of bees as will, firstly, place that disease in the category of epidemic diseases affecting domestic animals and plants; and secondly, enforce measures of disinfection or destruction of infected bees and hives?
§ Mr. PRATTThe Board are unable to supply the information asked for in the first part of the question, inasmuch as bee-keepers make no returns of the amount of honey they obtain each year. As to the latter part of the question the Board are promoting research and investigation into the nature and causes of the Isle of Wight disease, with the view of ascertaining the best means of remedy or prevention. Should there be any promise of controlling or eradicating the disease by legislative measures the Board will take steps to obtain the necessary authority.