§ Major CARVERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he intends to take any steps to prevent the spread of the Colorado beetle from France to this country, in view of the menace to the potato crop from this pest?
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§ Mr. ATTLEEThe menace to which the hon. and gallant Member refers is a matter which is at present receiving serious consideration in my right hon. Friend's Department. I am sending to the hon. and gallant Member a copy of the existing Order under the Destructive Insects and Pests Acts, which has been in operation for some years, and which prohibits the entry of potatoes grown in France unless they are officially certified to have been grown more than 40 kilometres from any place where the Colorado beetle exists or has existed. My right hon. Friend is considering what further restrictions may be necessary.