HC Deb 13 July 1925 vol 186 cc874-5W
Mr. S. MITCHELL

asked the Minister of Agriculture (1) if he is aware that many acres of strawberry plants have been destroyed in England during the last few years by a disease commonly

✶This figures excludes British Baluchistan, for which figures of deaths are not available.

known as the patch disease; what steps the Board of Agriculture have taken to stamp it out, how much money has been spent, and what number of people have been employed in investigating the cause of this disease;

(2) if he is aware that a considerable number of people generally employed as strawberry pickers and weeders have lost their employment owing to the patch disease: if any definite opinion has been formed as to the cause of this disease; is he aware that it has spread to Scotland, where it is doing great damage; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

Mr. WOOD

I am aware that certain diseases of obscure origin, among which is that known as "patch," have caused loss to strawberry growers, particularly in the South and West of England, and also in various parts of Scotland. I understand that there has been less demand for strawberry pickers this season owing to the lightness of the crop, which was adversely affected chiefly by the cold, wet spring, and the following drought, and to a lesser extent by the diseases in question. These disease are being investigated by the staff of the Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station of the University of Bristol at Long Ashton, who are working in conjunction with the Advisory Mycologists and Entomologists of University College, Reading, and Seal Hayne College, with the horticultural staffs of the counties concerned and with the Ministry's own officers. A special survey of the problem has been carried out during the present summer, and the question of the programmes of work to be undertaken in the future is under consideration. The inquiry is being carried out by the various officers in conjunction with their other duties, and it is not possible to state the amount of money which has been spent.