HC Deb 08 October 1924 vol 177 cc569-70W
Mr. HOBHOUSE

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the existing powers respecting destruction of injurious weeds under Section 1 (c) of the Corn Production Repeal Act are being actively enforced by the county agricultural committees; and, if so, in which counties notices have been served for this purpose, and what were the total number of prosecutions undertaken during the last 12 months?

Mr. BUXTON

Such information as I possess indicates that there are appreciable differences in the degree of activity in this respect displayed by the different committees. Recently I issued a circular

and the total number, in each case, in 1870, 1880, 1890, 1900, 1910, 1920 and 1924; and if he will also give similar data to the above in respect of England and Wales?

Mr. BUXTON

The number of horses, cattle, sheep and pigs, respectively, in Great Britain and in England and Wales, as returned on 4th June in the undermentioned years, was as follows:

to all county agricultural committees urging upon them the importance of using the powers in question wherever necessary. Particulars have not been furnished by the counties as to the cases in which notices have been served under the Schedule, but I am obtaining information on this matter. The total number of prosecutions authorised by the Ministry during the past 12 months has been 19.